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PUREFOODS and Alaska shoot for 2-0 leads in their respective
best-of-seven semifinal series Wednesday in the 33rd Smart-PBA
Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Tender Juicy Giants, who won the series
opener, 103-84, on Sunday, take on the Red Bull Barakos at 4:50 p.m.
The Aces, on the other hand, hope to notch their
second win over the Realtors in their 7:20 p.m. encounter.
Purefoods, seeking its 20th finals appearance
since joining the league in 1988, will again lean on 2005 MVP James
Yap, who scored below his average of 22 points a game on Sunday.
Coach Ryan Gregorio is also banking on Kerby
Raymundo, Roger Yap, Marc Pingres, Peter Simon and rookie Chico
Lanete as the Giants try to regain the crown they last won in 2005.
Gregorio, who is looking for the Giants’ ninth
championship crown and fifth All-Filipino title, expects a tough
game from the Barakos.
“I always told my players not to be
overconfident because Red Bull is capable of making a strong
comeback,” said Gregorio, who is hoping to become the first
Purefoods coach to win two All-Filipino titles.
Red Bull, owner of three titles in the pro
league, will be spearheaded by Junthy Valenzuela, Mick Pinnisi, Mike
Hrabak, Cyrus Baguio and Topex Robinson.
Alaska, winner of 12 titles, will lean on Mike
Cortez, Willie Miller, Reynel Hugnatan, Tony de la Cruz and Jeffrey
Cariaso while Sta. Lucia will rely on Kelly Williams, Dennis Espino,
Ryan Reyes, Nelbert Omolon and Joseph Yeo.
-- Frank Calapre
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