Toyota Otis, Magnolia in crucial game

Toyota Otis tries to end a three-game losing run when it battles Magnolia Purewater while Hapee Toothpaste hopes to cement its quarterfinal bid today in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Sparks must win this game to keep their quarterfinals bid alive when they clash with the Wizards at 4 p.m.

With a 3-6 card, the Sparks can’t afford to drop another game if they want to finish in the top four of the seven-team field tournament.

Hapee, on the other hand, tries to formalize its entry into the quarterfinal when it battles Burger King at 2 p.m.

Despite falling to a 7-3 record as a result of their 76-73 setback to Hapee on Tuesday, the Wizards are already assured of a semis slot no matter what happen to their last two games on account of their better quotient over Hapee and Bacchus — the only teams capable of tying their record at the end of the elims.

Hapee and Bacchus are tied for third to fourth places at 5-5.

Six-peat seeking Harbour Centre clinched the No. 1 spot in the Final Four following their comprehensive 93-82 win over Burger King two days back.

But for the Wizard to repeat over the Sparks, Magnolia coach Koy Banal said they have to work extra hard in both ends of the court knowing very well they will be going up against a talented team.

Despite having some of the best collegiate players in their line-up that include La Salle’s JV Casio, Jose Rizal University’s James Sena and  Letran’s RJ Jazul, the Sparks are having a hard time pulling their act together. They also have veterans like Erick Rodriguez, Brian Faundo and Jonathan Aldave.

After winning their last three games in the first round, the Sparks suddenly lost their fire, losing three successive games at the start of the second round — the last was a 78-63 drubbing at the hands of Bacchus on Dec. 20.

Toyota Otis coach Ariel Vanguardia is considering their game against Magnolia as a do-or-die, saying: "This will test our true strength and character."

http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20090108145140.html

Toyota Otis, Magnolia in crucial game

Toyota Otis, Magnolia in crucial game

Toyota Otis, Magnolia in crucial game :: Comments