Welcoat eyes semis

Defending champion Welcoat Paints tries to formalize its entry to the next round and join early qualifier Shark Energy Drink as it battles Dazz Dishwashing Paste today in the elimination round of the PBL Chairman's Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

The Paint Masters are not just gunning for their seventh win in nine games in the 5:30 p.m. encounter but are also seeking to avenge their 59-71 loss to the Dazz squad last April 1.

"We always find it tough playing Dazz, but we'll try to make it this time," said Welcoat coach Junel Baculi.

"Pero ang kalaban talaga namin ay ang aming sarili. If they will just show that old killer instinct, I guess we'll have good chances," he added.

With Eugene Tan out on suspension, Celino Cruz is expected to take over for the team along with Yancy de Ocampo, Brandon Sison and three-point shooters Ren-ren Ritualo and Jojo Manalo.

Dazz coach Dong Vergeire, however, hopes to spring another surprise in a combination of Mark Saquilayan, Eugene Bantugan, Francis Mercado, Nino Gelig and Cyrus Baguio.

"We also need this game, lalo na't carryover pa ang semifinals. Dapat may konting adjustment, but I hope the same formula works," said Vergeire.

Montana Pawnshop, meanwhile, hopes to keep its semis hopes alive as it collides with Blu Detergents at 3:30 p.m.

The Jewellers, now 2-6, must hurdle its last two remaining games and hope Blu lose three of its last four games to force a playoff for the last semifinals berth.

"That's very slim but still possible. So, it's all or nothing for us," said Montana coach Leo Isaac.