BY NOLI CORTEZ

ARMED with big wins over three championship-material teams, Welcoat has proven it has the heart to more be than at par with the rest of the field in the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference.

The Dragons also know it will take more than spunk to beat a team like Red Bull and gain inclusion among the league’s forces to be truly reckoned with.

"It’s a matter of attitude," said Dragons coach Caloy Garcia on the eve of his team’s clash with the Bulls today at the Araneta Coliseum.

"If we couple our spirit with the mind-set that we can compete with the rest of the teams, then we stand a good chance, especially against a powerhouse team like Red Bull," he added.

Welcoat won four games in the same conference last year and stands a chance of duplicating that if it scores a big follows-up to its 116-108 shocker over Talk N Text last Friday.

Red Bull, however, is not treating Welcoat lightly, the way the Phone Pals admittedly did. The Dragons had also previously upended Purefoods and Magnolia.

"You have to respect what Welcoat has done," Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao stressed yesterday. "They have defeated three strong teams. They have improved a lot and I don’t even think that’s because they have two imports."

Guiao also agreed with Garcia on what should be the main factor in the Bulls’ bid to at least maintain their share of the lead.

"How you approach the game mentally, that will be the key," Guiao said. "Kung iisipin mo na mahina sila, you will fall by the wayside."

Red Bull has had a full week’s rest after a 105-78 win over Sta. Lucia Realty and that time was well spent resting some tired bones and muscles that came after a fine defensive effort versus the Realtors.

For his part, Garcia said his relievers, led by Joe de Vance, Ryan Arana and Joey Mente, will have to step up anew, like what they did against TNT.

"If we can continue with people on the bench being ready (to play), then we stand a good chance," he said.

The Bulls will actually take solo leadership if the Coca-Cola Tigers lose to Alaska in the other game today.