Winner to face Barangay Ginebra in quarters

One more time for San Miguel and Air21.

With survival at stake, the Beermen and the Express collide at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday in the final wildcard playdate of the 2008-09 KFC PBA Philippine Cup.

Gametime is at 6 p.m. with the winner and wildcard survivor advancing to the best-of-three quarterfinals opposite reigning Fiesta Conference champion Barangay Ginebra.

A grudge match is what this third meeting between these two teams could shape up to be with no quarters asked nor given. When San Miguel and Air21 first clashed on October 5, the Beermen won 130-129 in double overtime. That controversial game was placed under protest by the Express, but the protest was later denied by commissioner Sonny Barrios and then the Board of Governors.

And though SMB scored a 98-78 blowout the next time they met, that painful loss the first time out will remain as Air21’s rallying point for the do-or-die encounter.

Coach Bo Perasol will have a different crew to try and exact vengeance in Act 3. Gone is Ranidel de Ocampo, but he’ll have Don Allado, Cyrus Baguio and Celino Cruz at his beck and call to complement old hands like Gary David, Arwind Santos, Wynne Arboleda and KG Canaleta.

“We tried to shake up our lineup a bit and signs are very encouraging, especially after our big win over Purefoods,” said Air21 mentor Bo Perasol. “We have Don [Allado] and Cyrus [Baguio] contented and happy playing their new roles and our old reliables coming along together as a solid unit.”

San Miguel, however, is not about just ready to roll over and die. Much is expected from the Beermen’s star-studded lineup and being relegated to the wildcard plays was a disappointment. They get a chance at redemption with a win and a spot in the quarterfinals.

“The year may have just ended, but the season is not yet over for us. We’ve got unsettled business to take care of,” said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen. “Honestly, we’re put on a difficult position as we’re facing a team which we’re trying to avoid. But we can’t do anything but face them and give out our best.”

Leading the charge against the Express are Danny Seigle, Lordy Tugade, Jay Washington, Dondon Hontiveros, Dorian Pena, Marc Pingris, Mick Pennisi and prized rookie Bonbon Custodio.


http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2437/1/