Less than a year after falling short against defending champion Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire, Allana Lim believes Akari-Rizal is finally ready to turn the tables in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Finals.
The veteran forward said the Sparks are entering this year’s championship series as a more experienced and cohesive team — one that has learned from last season’s heartbreak and is better equipped for the challenge ahead.
“Kung ako tatanungin, we’re ready to face them,” said Lim after Akari-Rizal completed a semifinal sweep of RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT with a Game 2 victory last Wednesday.
(C) WMPBL Images
But the Sparks are not relying on experience alone.
Akari-Rizal has also added a proven weapon in Gilas Pilipinas sharpshooter Janine Pontejos, whose ability to stretch the floor gives the team a dimension it lacked during last year’s Finals and in the early stages of this season.
Beyond her reputation as one of the country’s premier three-point shooters, Pontejos has embraced a crucial role as a facilitator, helping orchestrate the offense and create quality scoring opportunities for her teammates.
(C) WMPBL
“I think we have an edge, or let’s say numbers, pagdating sa players because may mga nadagdag na players, especially si Janine Pontejos. ‘Yung percentage niya sa three-points, ‘yun ‘yung wala kami noong previous season,” Lim explained.
“Ngayon, ‘yung outside shooting niya, pati ‘yung ability niyang mag-facilitate at gumawa ng assists, malaking bagay ‘yung contribution niya ngayong andito siya sa Akari.”
Pontejos joined the Sparks midway through the regular season after being acquired from Caloocan, along with Rejoice Adlawan, in exchange for Angel Anies and a second-round draft pick.
Since the trade, she has helped Akari-Rizal close the elimination round with seven straight victories, finishing with a league-best 9-1 record to secure the top seed. The Sparks then swept RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT in the semifinals, extending their winning streak to nine games heading into the Finals.
With that momentum on their side, Lim believes Akari-Rizal is peaking at the perfect time.
“Mas maganda nga ‘yun kasi nandiyan na ‘yung momentum,” Lim said.
“I think sila rin, maganda rin ‘yung composure at kumbaga, may bwelo sa nilaro nila against Biñan kasi dalawang dikit na games. I think both teams are ready.”
