THE Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters and the South Cotabato Warriors dispute the second South Division finals slot of the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Whoever rules the boards between the Rum Masters and the Warriors will likely win Game Three and advance to the South Finals against the waiting Quezon Huskers.
South Cotabato outrebounded Batangas in Game One, 49-39, of their best-of-three semifinal series and prevailed 87-76, on Oct. 28 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The Rum Masters reigned underneath, 49-38, and triumphed, 81-79, in Game Two held at their home court on Nov. 4 to force the decider.
In their elimination round encounter held at home on August 21, the Rum Masters also dominated the shaded lane, 46-35, and emerged victorious, 91-82.
Momentum on their side, the Rum Masters are shooting for their sixth straight finals appearance after clinching the MPBL inaugural title in 2018. The Warriors are aiming for their first finals stint.
Batangas Coach Cholo Villanueva will again bank on Levi Hernandez, the series' leading performer with averages of 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1 block.
Hernandez will get support from Jong Baloria, Philip Paniamogan, Dawn Ochea, Jeckster Apinan, Cedric Ablaza, John Ambulodto, and CJ Isit.
South Cotabato Elvis Tolentino draws power from Christian Fajarito (14 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2 steals per game), Jammer Jamito (9.5 points, 10 rebounds), Marwin Dionisio, JP Calvo, Nico Elorde, Val Acuna, Mark Cruz and Jervy Cruz.
