Exciting ABA cage matches tonight

LOCAL cage buffs can expect exciting matches in the resumption of the 8th XUHS-ABA Basketball Tournament tonight at the Xavier University High School Pueblo Campus covered courts here.

This, as Gamba 97 cagers gun for the St. Peter Faber Cup leadership in the curtainraiser against fivetime ABA champions XUHS 1999 spearheaded by former University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors forward Albert Montenegro.

The 97ers are in second place of the Faber Cup with 9-6 win-loss slate behind frontrunner Batch 2001 at 9-4.

Last week, Niku Benson Valles banged in 25 points in leading Gamba 97 to a 79-58 thrashing of Batch 2001.

“What a way for Valles to celebrate his pre-natal day before he gets back to Manila. Beers for him,” said teammate Benjo Villegas.

Batch 97, however, keeps their lips sealed on the possibility of playing intact against Batch 1999.

Rumors have it that 97’s reliable foursome of Valles, bull-strong Andrew Neri, red-hot Dexter Latosa and exPBA star Bitoy Omolon will suit up tonight against 1999.

But, Alumni 99 is up to the challenge with its own twin towers of Marco Sabal and Ryan Agapito out to give Neri and Omolon a stiff match-up in the middle.

Offensively, Montenegro and 6th season MVP PaoPao Roa will also have their hands full against Valles and Latosa.

“We can expect a lot of tension in the opener which is a must-see game,” said tournament commissioner Dhon Lazo.

XUHS 1994 of Jerome Pagute, on the other hand, will try to avenge its defeat as they will face 1995 of Shantao Moreno for the second time of the season at 8:15 pm.

Batch 95 dumped 1994 in their first encounter this season, though both teams have already qualified in the semifinal round of the St. Francis Xavier Cup.

In other games, IAM 98 will take on 2005, while Xavier United will test the mettle of Batch 2000.