Semis race heats up for Painters, Sparks

The race for the two outright semis berths shifts into high gear today as Rain or Shine and Toyota Otis clash even as Harbour Centre goes for its third straight win in the 2006 PBL Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque.

Tied for second to third places at 7-3, the Elasto Painters and Sparks are expected to go flat out when they collide at 4 p.m. in a game expected to go down-to-the-wire.

Though the Elasto Painters beat the Sparks in the first round, 73-67, coach Leo Austria won’t take the Sparks lightly, saying they had to go through the proverbial eye of the needle to get past the Louie Alas-mentored squad.

Alas, on the other hand, hopes his wards will play a lot better and smarter this time in a bid to get back at the Elasto Painters who are out to cap their amateur campaign on a high note.

"Every game is important for us, if we can beat Rain or Shine that will be a good indication for the team," said Alas. "Rain or Shine is a tough team but we will do everything to beat them."

Tangling in the first game at 2 p.m. are Harbour Centre and Hapee-PCU. The Port Masters and the Teethmasters tote 4-6 and 3-7 (win-loss) cards, respectively.

Harbour Centre is coming off impressive back-to-back wins, including a stunning 59-56 win over the Elasto Painters last Sunday. But the Port Masters will have their hands full against Teethmasters who are seeking to end a four-game losing skid.

However, Harbour Centre will be playing without top gunner Joseph Yeo who will be serving out his one-game suspension.

The high-leaping Harbour Centre guard was slapped a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct last Thursday.

Without Yeo, who averages close to 15 points, coach Jorge Gallent is expected to rely on Chico Lanete, LA Tenorio, Jerome Paterno, Jay Coching and Robert Reyes.

"We have to make do with what we have in the team. Joseph is our main man but if we can put our acts together then we have a good chance," said Gallent, who is out to avenge their 63-68 loss to the Teethmasters the last time out.

Hapee coach Junel Baculi must draw big games from his big guns — Gabby Espinas, Jason Castro and Robert Sanz to stop their bleeding.

Austria’s biggest concern is how to stop the dynamic duo of Boyet Bautista and Joe Calvin Devance.

The 6-foot-7 Devance, who is making his final tour of duty as an amateur, is averaging 15.8 points and 8.9 rebounds while the wily 5-foot-7 Bautista had normed 9.78 points.