Chandler back as Purefoods meets Coca-Cola

Coach Siot Tanquingcen is the envy of his fellow coaches. Things are working the way he had hoped for.

His San Miguel Beermen have gone though seven games without a loss and are looking good halfway through the 2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference.

With import Gabe Freemen showing no signs of weakness in his arsenal, many observers contend the Beermen should easily secure themselves outright passage into the semifinals.

Tanquingcen admittedly is pleased with the streak although he remains cautious going into their 7:30 p.m. Wednesday date with Talk N Text at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We are up against a team on a roll. So we have to play good defense and be smart offensively if we intend to keep our streak going,” Tanquingcen said.

The long 16-day break in between games enabled the Beermen to reenergize and rest their banged up bodies. Question is, are they still as hot after the All-Star break?

Talk N Text also went through a 13-day break after capping its three-game winning run with a 97-91 decision over Sta. Lucia last April 15. TNT coach Chot Reyes said the break was necessary to allow his team to rediscover their rhythm going into the crucial stretch of the conference.

“Big game against the best team. We’ll see if we can play with the big boys this week,” Reyes said.

After Wednesday night’s schedule, the defending champion Barangay Ginebra Kings are up next for TNT on Friday.

A fourth straight win by the Tropang Texters would enable them to catch up with idle Sta. Lucia Realty (6-3) at second place.

Purefoods TJ Giants coach Ryan Gregorio, meanwhile, is anticipating their fortunes to turn around for the better with the arrival of Marquin Chandler to replace Jahmar Thorpe.

This marks Chandler’s third tour of duty with the Giants.

“He will definitely help us get better on both ends of the court,” Gregorio proclaimed. “Our aim to be at the upper half of the standings remains attainable. A victory will draw us closer to our goal.”

The Giants take on the Coca-Cola Tigers at 5 p.m.

Purefoods (4-4) defeated Coca-Cola (2-6) in their first meeting, 89-80, last March 26. But the Giants could encounter a tough challenge this time around with James Penny now beefing up the Tigers.

It will be recalled that Chandler and Penny were the import rivals when Purefoods and Red Bull met in the 2006 Fiesta Conference Finals. While Chandler was named Best Import, it was Penny who led his team to the championship. (DBC)


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