Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
D'BARKADZ are gunning for a second straight championship when they face Wan Sing in the final of the Low San Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
The side had won the YOU.C1000 Cup back in July.
Robert Rubillar, who was with runners-up TK Teahouse last year, hopes things will be different this year.
"I'm hopeful that this time the outcome for me as a coach will be better than last year's final," said Rubillar in an interview with BruSports News.
"It will be a good new challenge for our team as Wan Sing are unbeaten entering the final.
"Our quarters and semis were both tough. The teams that we played against were all far superior teams but we still prevailed," he added.
All eyes are set on Jomarie Corpuz to deliver once again.
The Filipino guard put up an MVP performance in the YOU.C1000 Cup final.
"I believe they will play tight defence against us. It could be man-to-man or box-one as what other teams normally throw on Corpuz, which we already expect," said Rubillar.
"In return, we need to counter whatever is thrown at us. Our team is all prepared for every scenario and we will just react accordingly," added the D'Barkadz coach.
When asked on the key battles, Rubillar replied: "Transitions at both ends are the key to this game. Let us see on how they react to us for every transition."
His 17-year-old son Patrick, who scored 18 points, suffered a leg injury in the fourth period of the semis against Autocare.
He is set to be available for the encounter.
"Ms. Anne Nobleza, who is our team manager and therapist, is skillful and gifted," said Rubillar.
"After a few sessions, we managed to get Patrick ready from his injury and he will be able to play.
"It will be an interesting final and may the best team win," concluded Rubillar.
The title decider is slated for 8.30pm right after the third-place playoff between Autocare and Anta Brunei.
