MCBL: Batang Gilas loses a heartbreaker anew; Hobe Macaway prevails
FOR the second straight game, Batang Gilas under-16 squad lost a heartbreaker against a more experienced rival.
On Sunday, the national youth squad dropped a nailbiting 71-70 loss to Madam Tess for its second setback in a row in the Marikina City Basketball League (MCBL).
Despite the losses, Batang Gilas coach Mike Oliver likes what he’s seeing from his team that doesn’t have 6- foot-11, 14-yearold center Kai Sotto.
“We’ve been banking on our firepower from the outside and we’re also relying on our speed. These things are essential in FIBA tournaments. The only way we can beat other countries will be our speed and outside shooting,” said Mr. Oliver.
Mr. Oliver explained that Ateneo did not release Sotto for the MCBL Tournament to allow him to concentrate on his studies, but the school committed to loan the son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto to the national youth team’s campaign in the FIBA Asia Under-16 tournament early next year.
Batang Gilas is using the MCBL as a way to toughen up his young squad, which goes up against more experienced players who previously played in the PBA and the PBA DLeague.
Powerhouse Hobe Macaway ran roughshod over Quick Print in a high- scoring game, 127-111.
Led by six ex- PBA players, Hobe Macaway got explosive games from Jeff Viernes, Keena Lim and Ronjay Buenafe to outplay Quick Print.
Mr. Viernes, who also plays as import in Malaysia, scattered 23 points, including seven triples. Mr. Lim had 22 points.
Mr. Buenafe, who is also trying out for a spot with the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA, poured in 20 markers. —