Friday, January 11, 2008 P’foods takes no chances vs. Alaska
MANILA - Pacesetter Purefoods has nothing to lose but coach Ryan Gregorio said they will play against Alaska today as if a championship belt is at stake.
With the first automatic semifinal slot already tucked safely under its belt, Purefoods faces Alaska at 7:20 p.m. in the second game of the 2007 Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We have developed this character of taking each game seriously. We will play like it’s a championship game,” said Gregorio.
Purefoods occupy the top of the rankings with 12 wins against four losses and the team can afford to drop its final two matches and still end up at first.
In contrast, the Aces need to win the match to at least claim their 11th win and hope for a three-way tie at the second spot in case Sta. Lucia loses to Air21 on Sunday and Red Bull wins against Purefoods on Jan. 16.
The scenario will be resolved via a quotient tie-break system according to the conference format.
Aside from a possible three-way logjam at second, the Aces likewise want to solidify their position as the top team in the best-of-three quarterfinal round.
The Aces are also seeking to avenge a close 86-87 setback to the Giants in their first meeting on Nov. 21.
Meanwhile, the Magnolia Beverage Masters seek their 10th win against cellar-dweller Welcoat in the second game at 4:50 p.m. (FCC)
