There’s no such easy game each time Harbour Centre plays against Toyota Otis.

So when they renew their rivalry today, expect another highly-charged action as both teams are out to get back on the winning track following their stinging defeats last Thursday in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Letran gym in Intramuros.

The Batang Pier are still reeling from of a shocking 78-74 loss to Pharex on Thursday — the same day the Sparks suddenly lost their brilliance against Hapee Toothpaste and dropped a 72-66 decision.

Despite their defeats the last time out, both teams are expected to bring their A-game when they clash at 2 p.m.

More than the bragging rights, also at stake in their game are their bids for outright berths in the semis.

With a 7-1 win-loss record, the Batang Pier still need to win two of their remaining games to assure themselves of a seat in the semis. The 3-4 Sparks, on the other hand, have to win all their final five games to keep their own bid alive.

Aside from Harbour and Toyota Otis, also in the running for the two outright semis berths are Magnolia Purewater (6-2) and Hapee Toothpaste (4-4).

Though the Batang Pier beat the Sparks, 98-93, in the first round, the Rey Oben-owned Toyota Otis squad appears to have the decisive edge this time.

The six-peat seeking Harbour Centre will be without guard Mark Barroca and forward JR Cawaling who left with fellow RP training pool members for China the other day to compete in a tournament as part of their preparation for SEA Games.

It was the 5-foot-10 Barroca who struck hardest for the Batang Pier as he outshone former La Salle ace JV Casio by scoring seven of his team-high 15 points in the payoff period.

Casio did score 14 points but it was Barroca who spelled the difference.

Actually, five other Toyota Otis players scored in double figures that time but Harbour’s defense held them up at the most crucial stage of the game.

More than their offense, Harbour coach Jorge Gallent believes their defense will play a key role in their bid too beat the Sparks for the second straight time.

"If we play solid defense right from the very start, then we have a good chance. For us, if we play solid defense, then I’m sure we will have a good offense," said Gallent.

Without Barroca and Cawaling, Gallent hopes to get solid numbers from Boyet Bautista, Reed Juntilla, Benedict Fernandez, PJ Barua, Edwin Asoro and Rico Maierhofer.


http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20081216143614.html