Air21 clashes with rejuvenated Red Bull squad

San Miguel Beer coach Siot Tanquingcen understands the complexities of the situation. So he's keeping his fingers crossed that his troops would be able to build on Saturday's victory.

Tanquingcen knows exactly what it's like to be at the losing end. Through 15 games, SMB has lost six, including a three-game slump that nearly jeopardized the Beermen's run-up to the playoffs.

The Beermen stopped the bleeding Saturday with a scrambling 89–84 victory over Red Bull to stay well within the "Magic 5" with a strong chance of gaining an outright passage into the semifinals of the 2008-09 KFC PBA Philippine Cup.



With a 9-6 (win-loss) record, SMB shares second spot with Talk N Text, one and a half games behind league-leading Alaska (10-5).

"Every possession and every game is very important because the stakes are higher now so we have to play smart," Tanquingcen said.

The Beermen go after W no. 10 Friday against the 5-10 Coca-Cola Tigers, who are contending for the fourth and last wildcard berth. The rematch is scheduled at 5 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

SMB defeated Coca-Cola (89-86) in their first meeting last Nov.12.

But don't tell Tanquingcen a repeat is a sure thing. The San Miguel mentor learned a lesson from Alaska's stunning loss against last placer Red Bull on Wednesday.

"We can't take Coke for granted. Anything can happen," he said.

The SMB coach has a reason to be bit apprehensive. The Beermen will be coming into the game without center Dorian Pena, who is serving a one game suspension for the flagrant foul 2 he committed during their game against Red Bull. Pena is averaging 10 points and eight boards a game.

But the Tigers also have their own problem to contend with. Asi Taulava fractured the middle finger on his left hand during their game against TNT last Sunday. Assistant coach Gerard Fracisco said it's up to Taulava whether he'll play or not.

Air21 also aims to maintain its position in the top 5 when it battles Red Bull in the other game at 7:30 p.m.

The Express, who have won their last two games, are seeking their ninth win in 16 games overall.

Air21 escaped with a 92-89 decision in their first meeting last Nov. 21 prompting coach Bo Perasol to expect another tough encounter.

"It will be a difficult challenge but we have to find a way to win this game," Perasol said. "We understand the significance of the game to our standing and that's a motivation for us."

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said Wednesday's breakthrough "lifted the morale of the team to regain our bearings back."

The Barakos snapped an eight-game slump with a stunning 100-80 romp over Alaska.

Red Bull brings up the rear of the standings with a 4-11 mark.

"We're not totally giving up on this conference but it's a difficult task (making the playoffs). But we'll see what happens," Guiao said. (DBC)


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