Shark, ICTSI gun for semifinal seats

Four teams, two seeking outright semifinals berths and the two others trying to stay in the hunt, take on each other today as the PBL Challenge Cup elimination round draws to a close at the Makati Coliseum.

Tied at the helm with identical 8-4 slates, Shark Energy Drink and ICTSI-La Salle shoot for spots in the semis against Ateneo-Pioneer Insurance and Ana Freezers, respectively, both struggling to remain in contention for the quarterfinal berths.

The Power Boosters are the heavy favorites over the Insurers, bannered by collegiate cagers Leo Avenido, Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Billy Mamaril and Fil-Am PBA aspirant Miguel Noble.

Like Shark, the Archers are also heavily fancied over the Freezers Makers although they are reeling from a recent 80-83 loss to Kutitap Toothpaste.

Ateneo-Pioneer and Ana Freezers actually can afford to lose today’s game but will figure in a do-or-die match next week for a berth in the next round.

"We have two more chances to remain in quarterfinal contention," said Ateneo-Pioneer coach Ricky Dandan. "But we won’t be thinking of that because we’ll be going for a win against Shark." — Joey Villar