PTI shows some promise, considering its twice to beat advantage over Autonomous, which happens to hold on only to a single thread to extend the season one more day in their favor.
PTI held 10-1 win-lose ticket this season with its strong offense and solid defense.
The telecom firm had beaten some of the talented teams in the league including the Northern Marianas College that always comes out with a complete roster every game.
PTI has defeated even Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in the past, in view of the fact that the government agency has the powerhouse of Elias Rangamar Connie Camacho, Joey Dela Cruz, and several others.
The team also blasted Department of Public Works who has Edgar Pangelinan as its point man. Pangelinan is the top scorer among 15 best players of the current league.
So what does PTI has that other teams it has defeated do not have?
For one, PTI has a strong following from within its ranks, and to some extent, even from some members of the community.
Second, the team does not lack the manpower to break the defensive stance of most teams. Consider the time when it played against NMC where power forward Mark Wallace fired 47 points.
No PTI cager dared to match Wallace’s performance during the game. However, every PTI guy, particularly Kelvin Fitial Edsel Mendoza, Elmer Esdrellon, Ryan Sanciangco, and the others contributed little by little what load they have in their pockets to inch to the top.
In a nutshell, this season can be PTI’s time to shine.
But do not forget that Autonomous is the defending champion, and it will not give in to the telecom guys that easy.
First, Autonomous is a team full of determination despite the odds.
The team may not have enough players at this point to push for a win. Some of its cagers are nursing injuries.
It is said Autonomous is putting forward only a seven-man crew.
Anyways, Autonomous has proven itself a formidable team to beat with its good performance in the past.
Department of Corrections, Tinian, NMC, Aguaguat, and other teams have experienced the bitter taste of defeat from the hands of Autonomous.
The combined skills and agility of Ed Diaz, Ponce Rasa, Chris Camacho, Bobby Coldeen, Tim Wesley, and Ryan Sanciangco could hurt an opponent’s defensive strategy.
Add to these plus points are the height advantage of Richard Brostrom, and the fast play tendency of Wesley and Coldeen.
Autonomous even got the three-pointer of a man out of Jun Aaron who could seal a game from behind the arc.
With these pluses and minuses said on PTI and Autonomous, questions linger in the minds of many: Who will take home the championship? Which team will wear the crown? Could today’s PTI-Autonomous match at 6:30 p.m. at the Ada Gym be the final game in the season? Or will there be another playoff on Thursday at 7 p.m. to settle scores between the two rivals?
Nobody can tell for sure.
Besides, like what they sometimes say in basketball: “The ball is round. Anything can happen.”
Basketball enthusiasts and loved ones of PTI and Autonomous players can only hope and pray that fortune will be on their side.
Families and members of the community who care about their favorite team and basketball may come and witness the unveiling of history at the Ada Gym tonight.
