BY NOLI CORTEZ

WHEN Ginebra is on a hot streak like it is now, it is best to simply get out of the way.

But not Sta. Lucia Realty, which has vowed to do all it can to bounce back and force a decider in their Smart PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinals match-up today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

"Talagang babawi kami," said Realtors coach Boyet Fernandez, referring to the sorry 90-92 loss his charges suffered in the best-of-three opener last Sunday.

"We just have to continue doing what we do best, which is to play defense," he added.

It may be easier said than done since Ginebra seems to have lost little of its razor-sharp attack despite a week-long layoff.

The Kings, who won eight of their last nine eliminations games to complete their rise from the cellar and cop the No. 3 ranking, overcame early double-digit deficits last Sunday before pouring it all in the fourth quarter.

And the perennial crowd favorites seem bent on wrapping up the series today for a much-awaited best-of-seven semifinals showdown with early qualifier Red Bull starting on Sunday.

Magnolia beat Coca-Cola 108-96 at the start of their own series last Sunday and will likewise be gunning to seal the deal later tonight.

Should both series end today, Friday will be a rest day.

Fernandez, however, only has to point out his team's performance in two previous knockout games to instill confidence in his charges and make more concrete their goal of forcing a rubber match.

The Realtors first bundled out last year's champion Alaska and followed it up with a win over favored Talk N Text to survive the wildcard battles.

"It's another knockout game for our team," said Fernandez, while baring his strategy for today's game.

"We just have to stop or limit (Mark) Caguioa, (Chris) Alexander and (Jayjay) Helterbrand," he stated, referring to the three Ginebra players who consistently lead their team and galvanize them into one potent force.

Fernandez also wants to point out another concern.