Go for Gold battles Marinerong Pilipino

Games Monday (Ynares Sports Arena) 1 p.m. — Go for Gold vs Marinerong Pilipino 3 p.m. — AMA Online vs Batangas-EAC

Go for Gold and Marinerong Pilipino square off anew today at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City, both raring to gain an added momentum going to the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup semifinals.

The Scratchers will come in their 1 p.m. rematch with the streaking Skippers determined to repeat a 93-88 victory back in the first round, claim a share of the lead with idle Che’Lu Bar and Grill Revellers and assure themselves of a Top 2 finish.

Go for Gold, winner of its last two matches including a 75-60 win over Centro Escolar University last Monday, should be more dangerous with do-it-all forward Gab Banal back in its fold, giving Scratchers coach Charles Tiu another potent weapon.

Veteran center Jerwin Gaco, together with sniper James Martinez and Ron Dennison, could also make their return, something that Tiu is taking with a calculated approach with the entry of solid big man Rey Publico. “The challenge is to blend them with the team again,” he said.

Clashing in a no-bearing encounter at 3 p.m. are AMA Online Education and Batangas EAC.

The Titans, still empty-handed so far after nine matches, are seeking to close out another failed campaign with a bang while the Generals, sporting a 3-6 mark, hope to salvage some measure of pride on their final assignment.

All eyes, however, will be on the opener, with Marinerong Pilipino aching to sustain its resurgence to three straight matches and further underscore its billing as a legit force to be reckoned with.

“We still want to win. Of course, it will give us more confidence going to the playoffs on a winning note,” said Skippers coach Koy Banal, who is expected big numbers from prized Fil-Am guards Trevis Jackson and Robbie Manalang plus ace forward Jorey Napoles.