Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Barakos aim for 8th win vs. Air21 Express
MANILA—Co-leader Red Bull will try to prove its mastery over Air 21 Express as they meet for the second round of the elimination in the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Barakos will not only seek for their 8th win in 12 matches, but likewise aim to regain the solo leadership when they tangle against the Express in the first match at 4:50 p.m.
Sister teams Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia Beverage Masters collide in the second match at 7:20 p.m.
Coach Yeng Guiao, who is seeking for the Barakos fourth title in the professional league, is inching closer to the two automatic semifinals slots with only seven games to
settle before the end of the elimination phase.
Confidence
Guiao expressed confidence the Barakos could muster enough strength against the Express, whom they have defeated 102-92, in their first meeting last April 4.
And with the 7’0 import from Mexico Adam Parada at the helm, the Barakos are favored to prevail over the Express., who wants to forge a strong comeback following a 92-97 setback to then tailender Barangay Ginebra last May 24 in Zamobanga City.
Aside from Parada, who scored 28 points, made 12 rebounds and four blocks in their first encounter with the Express, Guiao will also lean on Mike Hrabak, Francis Adriano, Carlo Sharma and Richie Alvarez, who combined for 37 big points in that game.
The only notable absent from that triumph over Air 21 will be Junthy Valenzuela, who since then was traded to Ginebra in exchange for their future draft pick in 2009 and 2010.
But the rest of the Barakos including Cyrus Baguio, Leomar Najorda, Topex Robinson, Mick Pinnissi and Celino Cruz remain confident against the Express’ run-and-gun rampage. (Frank Calapre)
