HARDLY given a second look before the tournament started, the
Mail & More Comets gun for the first outright semis berth today against the
Toyota Otis Sparks in the 2007 PBL Silver Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center in
Paranaque Center.
Already assured of a playoff berth after winning six straight
games for a 7-2 record, the Comets are expected to pull out all the stops in
their 2 p.m. encounter with the Sparks to advance outright into the Final Four.
"That will be our motivation. We have to win (today) to avoid
an extra game," said coach Lawrence Chongson, out to prove a point that he’s up
to the challenge.
"I also have a personal motivation," said Chongson. "There
were lots of stories about our team before the start of the tournament and my
boys are out to make a statement. It’s up to them (Sparks) if they won’t respect
us."
One thing is certain, though. Chongson already has the
respect of Toyota Otis coach Louie Alas.
"We have to put up a disciplined defense and shoot well from
the outside to have a better chance to win. They have a deeper bench than us so
we have to raise our games several notches," said Alas. "But overall, we’re in
good shape, too."
Clashing in the other game at 4 o’clock are Harbour Centre
and TeleTech, with the Port Masters going for their fourth straight win after
back-to-back defeats.
The Port Masters, who are bidding for their second straight
championship after winning the Unity Cup last year, are locked with the Sparks
for fourth to fifth places at 5-3, while the Titans have a 4-4 record.
Expected to lead the Mikee Romero-owned Harbour Centre squad
are JC Intal, Reed Juntilla, Jay-A Coching, Al Vergara, Chad Alonzo and Jonathan
Fernandez.
Despite their slight edge in height and firepower, Harbour
Centre coach Jorge Gallent refused to take the Titans lightly, saying: "They
(Titans) have several veteran players on their squad so it’s going to be an
exciting game."
A five-way tie for the lead (7-3) may occur at the end of the
classification round if Harbour Centre, Toyota Otis, Sista and Hapee hurdle
their remaining games.
If that happens, two playoff games will be held to determine
the first two semifinalists.
Although the Comets beat the Sparks by a huge margin 88-57
the first time they clashed in the season-opening tournament, Chongson said they
still have to play real smart offensively and defensively to prevail again.
To accomplish that, Chongson said he will do everything at his disposal to
limit the productions of Marvin Cruz, Dennis Daa and Patrick Cabahug. The three
played big in the team’s stunning win over the Sista Super Sealers the last time
out.
