Sparks go for first final stint vs Painters

Toyota Otis shoots for its first ever finals stint as it tries to complete its sweep bid over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their semifinal showdown in the PBL Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center.

Banking on solid defensive play, the Sparks walloped the Elasto Painters, 71-55, Tuesday to gain a 2-0 edge and move in the threshold of making the finals for the first time since entering the league two years ago.

"The team is inspired and well motivated right now, so we’ll try to close it out if we can," said Toyota Otis mentor Louie Alas, who has steered teams to titles in the NCAA and the defunct MBA but not in the PBL.

Alas, however, expects Rain or Shine to come out strong.

"Knowing Rain or Shine and coach Leo (Austria), I expect them to bounce back, they’re capable of doing that and we have to be really ready," said Alas.

Montaña Pawnshop and Harbour Centre, on the other hand, gun for the go-ahead win as they resume their own series that was reduced to a best-of-three affair following the Jewels’ 86-82 Game 2 win.

The Jewels did it without top gun Alex Compton, who remains a doubtful starter due to back spasm.

"He’ll be out again but I know the other guys will step up again just like what they did in Game 2," said Parado.

He was referring to Froilan Baguion, Al Magpayo, Reed Juntilla, Larry Rodriguez and Eric dela Cuesta, who dished out solid games to propel the team to the victory.

Baguion and Magpayo combined for 33 points while Rodriguez, a rookie out of Philippine Maritime Institute, made things happen at crunch time by scoring 10 of his 11 points.

"This is a team full of role players, Larry is one of them. If the other guys could play their roles well, we’ll have a chance of taking Game 3," said Parado.

Game 4 is set on Saturday and a decider, if necessary, is on Tuesday at the same venue.

Although down 0-2, the Painters, who will be joining in the pro-ranks this October, vowed to fight back and extend the series.

"It’s not yet over," said Rain or Shine mentor Leo Austria, who has fought numerous championship battles winning three crowns.