Tigers, Pals out to enhance semifinal bid

Coca-Cola and Talk N Text clash in a virtual knockout game in the Selecta PBA All-Filipino Cup at the Astrodome today.

The Tigers and the Phone Pals collide at 7:30 p.m. with both looking for a win that will keep them in the hunt for an outright entry into the semifinals.

Barangay Ginebra has a tough assignment in Red Bull in the other game at 5:30 p.m., hoping to pull off an upset to enhance its bid for the quarterfinals.

With a 6-1 win-loss record, Red Bull looks cinch for an outright entry into the semis. Left to dispute the other semis berth staked in the eliminations are San Miguel Beer with a 5-2 card, Coca-Cola at 5-3 and Talk N Text at 4-3.

Ginebra is bunched with Sta. Lucia and Shell at sixth spot with similar 3-4 slates – half-game behind Alaska 4-4. Each of the four teams needs to sweep their remaining assignments to have a good shot at the quarters where four teams figure in a pair of knockout duels for the last two semis slots.

The Tigers and the Phone Pals both can’t afford to lose further if they were to get a shot at an outright semis passage.

Meanwhile, PBA board chair Butch Alejo said their search for a new commissioner didn’t progress yesterday as they didn’t get word from two prospective candidates – former GMA top executive Bobby Barreiro and former Nike Phils. country manager Felicito Feliciano.

The board is awaiting response from the two whether they are interested to work as PBA commissioner. Three aspirants in Ray Gamboa, Chito Narvasa and Noli Eala have signified their intention to do the job.

Alejo has yet to talk to Feliciano but a STAR source said it is unlikely the former Nike official will throw his hat into the race, the marketing man being busy with a lot of things at the moment.

Coca-Cola coach Chot Reyes was also considered for the position but he begged off, saying: "my affinity and loyalty with my players and team dictate me not to join the race."