Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines will try to finish with a winning record when it tangles with also-ran Pampanga at 9 p.m. on Saturday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Angeles University Foundation Arena.
The Bacoor Strikers, on the other hand, will attempt to check their skid when they collide with the Basilan Steel in the 7 p.m. opener.
Also scheduled at 5:30 p.m. is the resumption of the aborted clash between the Muntinlupa Cagers and the Navotas Clutch.
The Cagers were ahead, 98-95, with 1 minute and 34 seconds left in overtime when play was halted due to a broken ring at the Navotas Sports Complex.
Though both the Cagers (14-win, 10-loss) and the Clutch (12-12) are assured of spots in the playoffs, the game will have a bearing on the Cagers’ placing, which will range from second to fourth place in the South division.
Regardless of the outcome, the Clutch will wind up sixth in the North division.
With an even 12-12 slate, resurgent Zamboanga hopes to finish fifth in the South division and tackle whichever among Muntinlupa, Batangas (14-10) and General Santos City (14-10) will land fourth.
The Pampanga Lanterns (10-14), however, are determined to play the spoilers'role before hometown fans.
The Strikers (11-13) are favored to beat the Steel (7-17) also-ran and secure sixth spot in the South division.
