TOYOTA Otis and San Mig Coffee dispute the
fourth and last semis berth today when they clash in the
rubber match of their quarterfinal series in the PBL Lipovitan
Amino Sports Cup at the Oreta Sports Center in Malabon City.
The Sparks forced a sudden death after
scoring a stirring 89-86 win over the Coffee King before a
huge crowd at the Pres. Jose P. Laurel gym in Tanauan City,
Batangas, last Monday.
Clearly, the momentum is now on Toyota
Otis’ side but coach Ariel Vanguardia expects another
suspense-filled action when they clash at 3 p.m.
Burger King clinched the third semis berth
by downing Pharex 77-71 also last Monday.
"In all honesty, our win the last time was
a God’s gift to us, we were just lucky," said Vanguardia. "So
when we meet in the do-or-die match, it’s going to be
different story. We have to work hard on both ends of the
court."
Knowing San Mig Coffee is a disciplined
team, Vanguardia said they have to display the same intensity
and cohesion to beat the Coffee Kings anew.
"I have high respect for the coaching staff
of San Mig Coffee so we have to be explosive and energetic
against them," added Vanguardia, who is hoping to steer the
Rey Oben-owned Sparks to their sixth straight semis
appearance.
The Coffee Kings secured a twice-to-beat
bonus in the quarterfinals after finishing fourth at the end
of the double-round elims. The winner today will join
defending champion Harbour Centre, Hapee Toothpaste and Burger
King in the semis.
In case, Toyota Otis wins, Harbour Centre
is likely to select Burger King as its semis opponent.
But if San Mig Coffee prevails, they Batang Pier will go
for the Cofee Kings.
