Cignal and Saints and Lattes-Letran collide on Friday for the early Pool C lead while Savouge-RTU Basilan mix it up for a share of control in Pool D as action in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference resumes after a playdate-break at the Paco Arena in Manila.
While both teams are coming off similar straight-set victories over the same rival, the HD Spikers remain the prohibitive favorites over the Knights in their 3 p.m. clash given their firepower that they had flaunted in dealing the Santa Rosa City Lions a 25-22, 25-10, 25-21 beating to launch their title campaign last Sunday.
But the Knights are also confident of pulling off another surprise with Vince Himzon, Derrick Bautista and Steven Sta. Maria expected to lead the team’s assault again after combining for 40 points in their 25-21, 25-18, 25-16 victory, also over the City Lions, last Oct. 25.
"It's a good performance for the first and second units, sana magtuloy-tuloy," said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor after disposing of the Lions in the tournament organized by the Sports Vision Management Group Inc.
JP Bugaoan and Jau Umandal stood at the forefront of Cignal’s attack with Clamor likewise drawing big games from his bench, including from new additions in Mark Calado, Lloyd Josafat and Vince Abrot.
Savouge RTU Basilan, on the other hand, also aims for a second win in Pool D against Alpha Omega, which dropped a three-set defeat to Xentro Mall last Friday.
Lorenz Señoron and Charlee Magpayo will look to continue their scoring binge for the Golden Thunders while the Elite Spikers will bank on the veteran smarts of captain Kim Tan.
St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde, meanwhile, makes its keenly awaited debut, also in Pool C, as it takes on Philippine Coast Guard in the 5 p.m. main game of the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa.
Games can be streamed live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live and telecast on OneSports and OneSportsPlus.
