Pasig targets Coke Hoopla title vs Munti

MANILA, Philippines - Pasig and Muntinlupa dispute the inaugural Coca-Cola Hoopla crown at 6 tonight at the Pasig Sports Center with the hosts vowing to wrap it all up in the first of their two cracks at the title.

The Pasigueños hold a twice-to-beat advantage over the Muntinlupa cagers, set to host the rubber match in case they pull off a stunner today.

Pasig edged Caloocan, 79-78, while Muntinlupa beat Makati, 78-69, last Friday to arrange the title showdown.

“We have to win at all cost. We will do everything to achieve our goal of becoming the first team to win the title,” said Pasig coach Edward Medina. “The players are in high spirits and their morale is high.”

The hosts also want to get even with Muntinlupa, which dealt their only loss in the tournament.

“We want to avenge our only loss in this tournament,” Medina said.

Muntinlupa, the South division champion, defeated Pasig, 84-81, in the first round of the Final 4.

Pasig, which swept the East division, finished the two-round inter-zonal with a 5-1 card. Muntinlupa finished second with a 4-2 record, followed by Caloocan 3-3 and Makati 0-6.

Meanwhile, PBA governor and Hoopla backer JB Baylon of the Coca-Cola Tigers said that the league has seen some of the best talents aged 18 and below in Metro Manila.

“Definitely, you can see the caliber of the players in this tournament,” Baylon said in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave. “Some collegiate coaches watch the games. That goes to show the talents of the players.”

Tournament organizer Joe Lipa said the league’s thrust is to develop the sport in the grassroots level.

“Our vision is to uplift the barangay level of play,” said Lipa.

Intra-city tournaments were held in the 17 cities with the top finishers advancing to the semifinal round.

Lipa said he has seen some of the best young shooters in Pasig and Muntinlupa teams, something that the national team needs.