Will pacesetters continue to roll?

Defending champion Samahang Ilocano at Pangasinense and darkhorses Budweiser and RHT are currently tied on top of the 2006 MDX Good Sportsmanship Basketball League standings with identical 4-1 win-loss marks.

While Budweiser is expected to nail win No. 5 when it goes up against winless UFO Old Stocks in the 6pm first game tonight, the same cannot be said of SIP and RHT as both teams take on strong opposition this weekend.

But first things first, the Pastor Ramil H. Trininadad-backed Budweiser quintet is expected to have stroll in the park when it tangles with UFO Old Stocks in the MDX cage league’s first offering for the weekend.

Coach Elias Rangamar will probably use the date with UFO to try and nurture the talents of his youngsters, as forwards Bartley Demapan and Jericho Cruz are expected to get a lot of burn.

Aside from the duo, Rangamar also has in his disposal the likes of Taj Van Buren, Marlon De Dios, Elbyn Cecilia, Leo Factor, Peter Camacho, Mark Mendoza, James Abuy, Sonny Lerio, and Dennis Vinas.

UFO (0-5) will try and keep up with a rag-tag group spearheaded by rebounder extraordinaire Bong Malasarte, high leapers Martin Moreno and Butch Sublemente, and speedsters Wylie Paez and Kovin Ogumoro.

Immediately following the Budweiser-UFO encounter is the game between SIP and MOVER (3-2) set to begin at 7:30pm.

Both teams are coming off wins with SIP taking it to Samahan ng Manggagawang Filipino last time out and SMF benefiting from a walkover win over NYBA.

Aside from cohesion honed by years of playing together, coach Boy Garcia is also expected to draw strength from the individual talents of Rick Alegre, Elmer Esdrelon, Edsel Mendoza, Junar Guiab, Freddie Pelisamen, Ed Diaz, and Mel Manibusan.

It’s still anybody’s guess what lineup MOVER coach Tony “Peyton” Gabriel will have on the court as the availability of big guns Dalewin Cortez, Eric Dalangin, Glenn Aquino, and Chris Domingo depend on their work schedules at Aqua Resort Club.

Without the talented quartet, Gabriel will have to lean on Ron Gamboa, Ryan Sanciangco, and Joy Dayrit.

The MDX cage league resumes the next day at 4pm when NYBA (1-4) collides with SMF (2-3).

NYBA players Jayvon Tarkong, Robert Naraja, Kevin Aldan, Allan Moses, and Vince Teregeyo are expected to suit up this time after finally getting over Garapan Rollers I’s championship in the Rotary youth league last week.

SMF, for its part, will try and level its win-loss card to 3-3 with the help of human pogo stick Leo Itaas, shooter Gary Cayetano, and journeyman “Smoking” Jhun Tabora.

RHT will be the last of the three 4-1 teams to see action on the weekend when it takes on Kinpachi-Bank of Saipan in the 5:30pm second game.

Coach Marvin Deocares shoots for his fifth win in six games with a lineup that includes Andres “Jhun” Estolas Jr., Jawn Joyner, Gyles Ruluked, Jeremy Sablan, Kevin Cequena, and Errol Peredo.

Kinpachi, under the baton of coach Jerry “Mutombo” Lopez, will counter with the likes of Ed Palma, Dave Sablan, Francis Rebuyon, Sonny Ranola, William Opone, and Gil Gapor.