THE province’s newly-formed national squad basketball team called “Pangasinan Hundred Islands” in the National Basketball Conference (NBC), tests its mettle in its home court by clashing with the North Cotabato Braves on April 7 at the Urdaneta City Sports and Cultural Center at 4:00 p.m.

The local team which suffered a pulsating debacle, 88-90, against Tagaytay City last March 10 during the opening of NBC’s 2006 season, vowed to  up their value  this time, with or without with the home court advantage.

The Islanders, fresh from their tune-up victory against the National Prisaa Games third runner-up Region 1 Selection, will rely on its mainstays six-foot-five Melvin Mamaclay, Randy Lopez and new recruits point-guards Ton Catacutan and Demie Cruz.

On the other hand, the Braves, owned and managed by their governor Manny Pinol, are expected to give all their best to score a victory after a humiliating defeat they experienced in the hands of the Iligan Crusaders, 78-96, last March 19 at Iligan City. As usual, the Pinol dribblers will put faith on his one-two-three punch players Michael Etrata, Rex Ligue and Jerold Cabanog.

The Pangasinan Hundred Islands squad is being bankrolled by the Pangasinan Basketball Corporation (PBC) headed by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza, Congressmen Mark Cojuangco and Conrado Estrella III of the fifth and sixth districts, respectively, businessman Rosendo So and other politicians in the province.

As of press time, the local squad is battling the Manila team, their second game of the season. Their second stint in the province is tentatively scheduled on April 20 against an unnamed opponent. It will be held either at Dagupan People’s Astrodome or at Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen town. – JAG

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