Knights go for clincher; Eagles seek equalizer

Andok’s San Juan seeks to finish off FedEx Laguna while TPG Davao hopes to equalize against Cebuana Lhuillier in a pair of semifinal matches today in the 2001 MBA National Playoffs at two separate venues.

Riding the crest of a thrilling 88-85 victory last Wednesday, the Knights aim to wrap up their best-of-three Northern Conference semifinal series versus the Lakers at 5:30 p.m. at its home at the San Juan Gym.

The Eagles, on the other hand, are pinning their hopes on hometown support at the Rizal Memorial College Gym when they take on the Gems at 3 p.m. Cebuana Lhuillier scuttled TPG Davao, 117-93, in their series opener at the Cebu City Coliseum to take a 1-0 lead.

Andok’s San Juan coach Philip Cezar said his team’s road win gave them a high level of confidence going into today’s Game 2 although he expects FedEx Laguna to come back strong considering that the series is now on the line for them.

"Our win in Game 1 gave us a lot of confidence and the momentum going into our next game but I see FedEx Laguna as a team which has the ability to bounce back from that loss," said Cezar, who has steered the Knights to the title last year. — Joey Villar

The Lakers actually possess the talent characteristic of a title-contending team but for years, have shown lack of experience especially in crucial situations like the playoffs as seen in their heartbreaking playoff defeats in past encounters with the Knights.

What was missing in FedEx Laguna’s Game 1 loss is the ample back-up for the hardworking Chris Clay, who poured in 29 points but got little support from teammates Jeff Flowers, Oscar Simon, Tek Regidor and Richard Melencio.

On the other hand, the Lakers failed to neutralize the Knights vaunted trio of Rafi Reavis, Bruce Dacia and Chris Calaguio, who held sway in the homestretch to deliver the killer blows.