Sunday, July 20, 2008 Air21 faces Magnolia in semifinal series today
MANILA – The cast is now narrowed down to four and the survivors slug it out starting today in the first game of the best-of-seven semifinal round of the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Top qualifier Air 21 meets the fourth semifinalist Magnolia Beverage in the first match at 4:30 p.m., while second finisher Red Bull battles third rated Barangay Ginebra at 6:50 p.m.
Both Bo Perasol of the Express and Siot Tanquincen of the Beverage Masters as well as Yeng Guiao of the Barakos and Jong Uichico of the Kings admitted the importance of Game 1 in the long series.
“It’s very important because it will pave way towards gaining confidence the rest of the way,” said Perasol, whose Express reached the final four for the first time since joining the league in 2002.
However, the Express, who entered the semis outright via a high 12-6 slate at the end of the elims, will suit up in the match without import 6-foot-9 Steve Thomas.
“We are ready mentally. Even without an import it doesn’t mean we will hand over the first match without a fight. We will do whatever miracle is left for us,” said Perasol.
Potent weapon
Coach Tanquincen, whose Beverage Masters carved a 78-60 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers last Friday to gain the right to challenge the Express, cited defense as their most potent weapon in the semis showdown.
“If we can play the same tight defense against them (Air 21). Then I think, we have a good chance,” said Tanquincen.
Perasol confirmed that the stocky Thomas, who left for Las Vegas to attend a Korean camp for imports in the Korean League while the Express were on a two-week rest, will be back only on Monday.
“He was supposed to return on Saturday, but decided to reset his flight to be able to attend the Cleveland Cavaliers’ training camp,” said Perasol.
But Tanquincent is not going to take the game lightly, saying it’s already a semifinal battle and each game is very important.
“We will play as if they have an import. Although it may be an added advantage for us but Air 21 has strong locals,” said Tanquincent, whose 6-foot-10 Amar McCaskill contributed a double-double to lead the Beverage Masters’ 2-1 triumph over the Tigers in the quarterfinals.
Tanquincen has reason to be wary as Magnolia is 0-2 to Air 21 in their two meetings in the elimination phase.
On the other hand, McCaskill said he’s already familiar with the style of Thomas and expressed confidence Magnolia can win the series. (FCC)
