Welcoat vs Shark, Part III

In their continuing battle for PBL supremacy, Welcoat and Shark clash again today to stoke the fire of a brewing rivalry that has bolstered the growing popularity of the country’s premier amateur league.

Game One of the best-of-seven series for the PBL Chairman’s Cup is set at 5:30 p.m. at the Makati Coliseum.

This marks the third straight time that the Paint Masters and Power Boosters will dispute a PBL crown with the former sweeping the latter in the Chairman’s Cup final last year before Shark nipped Welcoat, 4-3, in the Challenge Cup early this year.

How Welcoat and Shark will come out from a pair of hard-fought victories in double sudden death last Tuesday will be known today although the Power Boosters will be coming off a marathon duel, having to survive three overtime periods to repulse Giv Beauty Soap and secure the first final berth.

But Shark coach Leo Austria said the ordeal has further toughened up his wards, particularly their confidence and morale needed to overcome a talented team like Welcoat.

"That (game) should add to their experience and I believe they will rise to the challenge," said Austria, who steered the Power Boosters to a 96-93 victory over Giv in a game that took three extra periods to finish.

For his part, Welcoat mentor Junel Baculi hopes his players will sustain their comeback run although he said the Paint Masters’ must play with a lot of heart to stay abreast of Shark in the title series.— Joey Villar