Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Coke eyes repeat vs. Sta. Lucia
MANILA - The Alaska Aces will try to take hold of the solo second spot and get even with the Sta. Lucia Realtors when they clash today in the resumption of the 2007 Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska coach Tim Cone told his wards to play hard and not to take the Realtors lightly when they collide in the second match at 7:20 p.m.
Cone wants to avenge their 88-94 setback to the Realtors on Dec.5 and a win will move the Aces closer to clinching the second automatic semifinal slot with only 5 matches remaining in their elimination assignment.
“They are playing great basketball this time. And their good work reflects how hardworking their coach is also,” said Alaska head coach Tim Cone.
The Realtors, fresh from their 104-78 conquest off the Red Bull Barakos on Dec. 14, will suit up in the game carrying a 7-6 card.
“We are taking one game at a time. We are not in a hurry. We will just continue to play harder. If we reach the next round it’s all because of our hard effort, but we are not worried at this point in time,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.
The Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals may face Air21 in the first game at 4:50 p.m. without key players Mac-Mac Cardona and Harvey Carey.
Both Cardona and Carey were summoned before the commissioner’s office at presstime yesterday to explain their side on the unsportsmanlike conduct that resulted to their ejection in their game against Welcoat, which they won, 99-96, last Friday.
PBA OIC Sonny Barrios is expected to give a one-game suspension to the two Phone Pals along with Welcoat’s Ryan Arana. (FCC)
