Blu guns for semis berth vs Freezers

Blu Sun Power guns for a semifinals berth as it clashes with Ana Freezers today in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

The Detergent Kings are eyeing their fourth straight win in the 3:30 p.m. encounter in a bid to join Shark, Montana Pawnshop and defending champion Welcoat Paints in the six-team, carryover semis.

Coach Nat Canson’s wards first pulled off a big 61-57 upset win over Shark Energy Drink last Dec. 9, then beat Osaka, 72-64, before thumping Hapee, 68-58, just before the Christmas break.

"I just hope the long break would not affect the team. Maganda naman ang pinapakita nila in the past two practices and I hope they sustain the momentum," said Canson who is leaning anew on MVP contender Marlon Legaspi, Francis Sanz, Eric de la Cuesta, Arnold Calo and Egay Billiones.

But the Freezer Kings, currently at 4-5, also need a victory to stay in contention for the next round and will be trying to duplicate their 54-53 win over the Detergent Kings last Nov. 25.

"Tingin ko magiging physical ang laro gaya nung first meeting namin. I told the boys this is our last chance to stay in contention kaya dapat ibigay namin ang lahat sa labang ito," said Ana Freezers coach Dante Gonzalgo. — Joey Villar