Do or die for Gems, Voltz

Intracon Challenge champion Cebu and regional rival Iloilo dispute the last slot in the MBA Southern Conference Finals in a sudden-death match today at the Cebu Coliseum.

Dodging a potential killer blow in Game Two of the best-of-three semifinal duel Sunday, the Gems get back into action at 6 p.m., determined to deliver their own knockout punch on their rivals to get a shot at the conference championship versus the Negros Slashers.

The Megavoltz took the series opener with a 100-98 decision but the Gems got back with a 91-86 win Sunday to force the rubbermatch.

Negros swept Davao in their own best-of-three semis duel to gain the first slot in the conference finals.

Cebu coach Tonichi Yturri is hopeful they can go all the way to the national finals for the second straight year while banking heavily on defense following the departure of their ace scorers.

"When we started the season minus Dondon Hontiveros and Rob Wainwright, I thought we could still be competitive if we put premium on defense. We’re doing that and that would be the key if ever we reach the finals," said Yturri.

Yturri also appealed to the Cebuano fans to come to the venue to give them morale support.– Joey Villar