Friday, October 20, 2006 Tigers seek third straight win
THE roaring Coca-Cola Tigers will try to extend their winning roll to three games today as they battle another conference heavyweight, the Talk N Text Phone Pals, in the PBA-Talk N Text Philippine Cup elimination round at the Yñares Center.
Better known as the “Giant Killers, the Tigers of coach Binky Favis have stood up to its billing in the past three games after an 0-2 start. They strung along two-straight victories against powerhouse squads, including a 92-77 bashing of defending champion Purefoods Chunkee Giants.
Coke’s first victory in the conference also came at the expense of another conference champion, Red Bull Barakos, 105-86.
“I’m so lucky to have a bunch of guys who are willing to play ... a bunch of guys who are willing to fight,” said Favis after their latest win.
“Nobody gave us a second look coming into this tournament. And I guess that was a challenge for us. This team is still young but I believe in their future,” Favis said.
And the future is indeed bright for the Tigers as shown in their last game, where three of their wards—-a couple of role players and a rookie—-tallied career-high scoring outputs.
Former Barangay Ginebra reserve Allan Salangsang scored 16 points, Jason Misolas churned in 14 points and 10 rebounds, while rookie Joseph Yeo had 13 points for the second straight game.
Another rookie Chris Pacana, who was instrumental in the win over Red Bull, also came up with quality minutes, coming up with eight points and five assists in 22 minutes backing up starting point Denok Miranda for the Tigers.
If this trend continues, then Coca Cola could become one of the legitimate title contenders this conference as aside the four players, there Favis also has Ali Peek and John Arigo, who is the conference’s leading scorer. (JSV)
