Prime Asia guns for jugular vs. Kia

 CEBU, Philippines - Armed with a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Prime Asia-UV Lancers gun for no less than the clincher when they square off against the Kia Motors/CIT-U Wildcats in Game 3 of the best-of-five 6th CESAFI Partner's Cup finals today at the Cebu Coliseum.

Gametime is set at 5 pm.

After a smooth-sailing 76-66 victory in the opener, Prime Asia had to wade through rough waters before eking out an 80-77 decision to move one step away from snaring the championship.

For their gallant stand in Game 2 where they nearly scored an upset, Kia Motors certainly gained a measure of respect from their foes. What's bad news for them is that they will play without their head coach Gilbert Demape, who was meted with an automatic supension after being thrown out of the game the other day for incurring two consecutive technical fouls.

Demape's infraction was so costly for the CIT-U Wildcats-manned squad as John Abad made three out of four technical free throws to pad Prime Asia's lead to 64-59 with still 5:31 left to play.

Aside from the absence of Demape, also expected to aggravate the Kia Motors' woes is the return of Prime Asia's reliable center Andrew Avillanoza from a suspension.

Avillanoza and Wowie Escocio form a deadly one-two punch for Prime Asia at the frontcourt. Aside from them, UV Lancers coach Felix "Donbel" Belano, Jr. could also rely on the likes of Abad, Phil Mercader, Eman Calo, Chris Perolino, Raffy Oktubre and Vincent Mendoza.

Kia Motors, on the other hand, can turn to spunky guard Floyd Taboada, Vincent Menguito, Allan Dimco, Gestoni Baclaan, Axel Rabaya and Lloyd Sanchez as they battle for survival. (FREEMAN)