Pacesetters pursue bid for semis

Four teams in hot pursuit of the two outright semifinals slots in the Selecta PBA All-Filipino Cup slug it out today in an expected thrilling double-header at the Cuneta Astrodome.

It’s Coca-Cola versus Sta. Lucia Realty at 5:15 p.m. and Red Bull against Purefoods at 7:15 p.m. in a twinbill, which could be featuring teams who may figure in the finals.

Curiously, three of these teams were the league champions in the last three conferences. The other one, a league newcomer, figured prominently in the season’s first two conferences and may do the same thing – if not better – in this season-ending tourney.

Red Bull, the Commissioner’s Cup titlist, and Coca-Cola, doing well in only its third conference in the league, are a heartbeat away from the quarterfinals with a 4-1 and a 4-2 win-loss records, respectively.

The two teams have been the league’s hottest teams until they suffered humbling defeats in their last games, with the Thunder bowing to the Talk N Text Phone Pals Friday and Tigers falling at the hands of the Alaska Aces Saturday.

But the Thunder and the Tigers are still pacing the field – now on the brink of the quarterfinals and running one and two in the race for the two outright slots in the semifinals.

Both could be in for a rough sailing tonight, though, as they go up against teams, which have formidable lineups of their own and also raring to make it to the semis without going through the quarterfinals.

Sta. Lucia (2-2) and Purefoods (3-3) are bunched with Alaska (3-3) and Barangay Ginebra (3-3) in the middle of the pack all with .500 mark.

"Medyo delikado kami because we’re playing a third game in the last seven games while Sta. Lucia its first in 10 days. You have to consider that we’re playing on pure energy," said Coca-Cola coach Chot Reyes.

Reyes also said Rafi Reavies is a doubtful starter tonight due to a suspected fractured right hand. "Na X-ray na yung kamay niya kaya lang inconclusive ang result so he’s under observation."

Sta. Lucia coach Norman Black, meanwhile, is wary his team may have become a bit rusty after the long break since trouncing Shell, 65-57, last Nov. 10. He said he hates long respite.

Red Bull and Purefoods clash in a duel of tall teams, showcasing the tandem of Davonn Harp and Mick Pennisi against Andy Seigle and former Thunder Kerby Raymundo.

It also features an exciting matchup at the point between Noy Castillo and Willie Miller.