BY NOLI CORTEZ
PUREFOODS coach Ryan Gre-gorio has a very clear idea of what
his team’s campaign is going to be for the rest of the Talk N Text-PBA Fiesta
Cup.
"Parang championship game ang bawa’t laro namin because each
one will be a struggle, a big battle for us," Gregorio said last Wednesday after
the Giants finally made it to the win-column in four games with a hard-earned
79-78 win over San Miguel Beer.
When one throws in the mix a streaking Air21 team the Giants
are facing today at the Astrodome, one tends to believe Gregorio.
Even Gregorio admitted the Express task is daunting.
"There is no denying it: Air21 is one of the strongest teams
in the league," he said. "They’ve got a very good import, a very astute coach
and a lot of talented locals. Air21 will be a very tough assignment, no doubt."
However, there is no doubt that Gregorio is convinced the
Giants, who finished second last year, are getting better despite the continued
absence of Marc Pingris and Jun Limpot due to injuries.
Gregorio pointed out their breakthrough win over the Beermen
meant more than a mere ‘W’ on the board.
"Our morale has picked up a little," he said. "There have
been a lot of doubts in this team, but I kept telling my players that there is a
starting point for us, and that is to believe. Tonight, we believed."
Continuing to do so against Air21 should be one big factor
going for Gregorio and his charges.
"We’re now back on track and we’ll go into that game (against
Air21) on a winning note," explained Gregorio. "That game will be different for
us, mentally."
Defending champion Red Bull takes on Sta. Lucia Realty in the
nightcap, with the Bulls aiming to rebound from a 105-111 loss to Ginebra last
Sunday.
The Bulls can claim solo leadership should Air21 and
Coca-Cola, which was battling Ginebra last night, both lose.
The Realtors, on the other hand, are also looking to notch their second
straight win.
