NEW TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan —Philippine representative Mighty Sports Apparels battles lightweight India today in the 38th Williams Jones Cup with coach Bo Perasol looking to give his local players a time to shine here.
Out to conserve the energy of his seven imports in time for their much-awaited showdown with defending champion Iran on Friday, Perasol is likely to give local players, led by Rain or Shine’s Jeric Teng, quality minutes.
“The tournament is a daily thing so we have also to take into consideration their physical condition,” said Perasol. “While they (imports) are good and talented, we have to balance their playing time. So I’m expecting my locals to step up against India.”
Backed by Scratch It and Symarom, the Mighty Sports dribblers are tied for the lead with the Iranians at 3-0, while the Indians are still winless after dropping their first three games.
Teng, loaned by Rain or Shine bosses Raymund Yu and Terry Que to the team, is hopeful he can deliver this time.
“I will try my best,” said the former University of Santo Tomas star.
Also hoping to get into the offensive groove are Larry Rodriguez, Leo Avenido, and Sunday Salvacion.
Retired PBA player TY Tang proved he’s not yet over the hill as proven by his stellar showing against the Koreans as he sparked the team’s decisive second-quarter breakaway.
Indian coach Sunny Varghese is confident facing Mighty Sports is another chance for them to learn a thing or two.
Meantime, Taiwan-B emerged as newest challenger to the team’s title bid after shocking Taiwan-A, 81-80.
Games Today
(Xinzhuang gym)
1 p.m. – India vs PH-Mighty Sports
3 p.m. – Egypt vs
Sacramento State
5 p.m. – Taiwan-B vs Japan
7 p.m. – Iran vs Taiwan-A
