CAN TIGERS CONTINUE AMAZING RUN IN QUARTERS?

CAN TIGERS CONTINUE AMAZING RUN IN QUARTERS?

Alaska, Coke, Red Bull & Magnolia battle it out for 2 Final Four slots

Tuesday, 22 January 2008

Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis describes their unexpected entry into the quarterfinals as a gift. And that is why he is prodding his troops to preserve their gains by continuously working hard together and believe in their ability to make things happen. What the Tigers have achieved was simply amazing. It was almost like a fairy tale. Depressed and counted out after an eight-game losing streak, Lady Luck suddenly showed up and smiled at them and the next thing the Tigers knew they're in the quarterfinals of the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup in the company of the Alaska Aces, Red Bull Barakos and the Magnolia Beverage Masters. Favis said his team is indeed blessed to be in a position to wage battle in the quarterfinals. "All we asked for was a chance. And to be able to make it all the way here is a gift … a blessing," said the unassuming Coca-Cola coach. The Tigers, who finished the double-round elims at No. 9, will be paired against the No. 3 Aces in the best-of-three series with Game 1 scheduled at 4:50 Wednesday afternoon at the Cuneta Astrodome. No.4 Red Bull and No.5 Magnolia face-off in the other series set to start at 7:20 p.m. Inspired efforts from Asi Taulava and Mark Telan, consistent contribution from rookie sensation Ronjay Buenafe, the re-emergence of comebacking John Arigo and its energized bench made things happen for Coca-Cola. And Favis knows the same kind of effort will spell the difference for them in the quarters. The Aces swept their two-game series with the Tigers in the elims and Favis readily admits that Alaska will be a tough matchup. "Alaska is playing its best basketball the past couple of years. So we really have to play as a team and try to match their energy. Let's see how far we can go," Favis said. The Barakos also hold a 2-0 lead over the Beverage Masters although jaded observers contend anything can happen in the series. Red Bull faltered in the homestretch of the elimination round but coach Yeng Guiao said his wards managed to regain their confidence by winning their last two games. "Those wins were important for us because it enabled us to gain our confidence heading to the quarters. We just have to sustain our effort," he said. (DBC) Source: http://www.pba.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1961&Itemid=1