TEAM BACOLOD. (From left) Bacolod Master Sardines team captain Paolo Javelona, manager Joseph Navarro, head coach Vic Ycasiano, assistant manager Paul San Jose, Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, players Erwilson Santos and Arben Dionson during the press conference at STI-West Negros Occidental Gymnasium in Bacolod City on Thursday. Ycasiano is hopeful of a home win against the Soccsksargen Armor On Marlins on Saturday. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
BACOLOD CITY -- Bacolod Master Sardines head coach Vic Ycasiano is hopeful of a home win against the Soccsksargen Armor On Marlins on Saturday to boost his team’s standing in the 2019 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup.
“As I’ve said during the tryouts, this is not our team, this is the team of Bacolod. This is all for you. It is very special that we can play in front of the home crowd,” Ycasiano said in a press conference during the team practice at STI-West Negros Occidental Gymnasium on Thursday.
The face-off between the host team and Soccsksargen will follow the 7 p.m. clash between Davao Occidental Tigers and Basilan Steel at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
The Bacolod squad is currently in 11th place under Group B, with five wins and eight losses, and a win at home will push them up to number nine.
“Eight teams will proceed to the next round. If we win this Saturday, we’re automatic number nine, one game win away from Zamboanga (Family’s Brand Sardines). But we already defeated Zamboanga, and anything can happen, we will enter the circle of eight,” Ycasiano said.
During the press conference, Ycasiano was joined by team captain Paolo Javelona, who hails from Bacolod himself, and fellow homegrown players Erwilson Santos and Arben Dionson, as well as team officials Paul San Jose and Joseph Navarro.
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya appealed to basketball fans to watch Bacolod Master Sardines play at home.
“It is important for the people of Bacolod to cheer for their team. We wish them all the best. Our support is always with them,” he added.
Gasataya’s office and the Office of the City Mayor are co-organizing the MPBL games in Bacolod. (PNA)
