Tigers enjoying the ride

To make it to the quarterfinals, Coca-Cola has to win three straight games but coach Binky Favis said he’s not intimidated by the odds even if the Tigers won only five outings in the entire Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) double-round eliminations.

For sure, it’s a tall order for Coca-Cola. One more loss and it’s goodbye for the conference.

The Tigers play Sta. Lucia Realty in the first game of a wildcard doubleheader at the Araneta Coliseum today. If they survive the Realtors, Favis’ boys will need to beat Air21 on Wednesday to arrange a playoff for a quarterfinal slot against whichever team ends up with the best win-loss record at the end of the wildcard series.

Since Coca-Cola has already won two in a row, the Tigers must string up five consecutive victories to advance to the quarterfinals against Red Bull in a best-of-5 series.

Not that he’s used to being in a pressure cooker, Favis said he’s just not panicking.

"At the onset, right after we beat Sta. Lucia three days before Christmas, I told the guys it’s not going to be easy, that it is probably next to impossible for us to stay alive but as long as we’re standing up, we’ll fight to the end," said Favis.

"We’ll just enjoy the ride and see how far our new-found formula of working hard and playing and enjoying together takes us. Let’s see what happens. We’ll do our best and play as hard as we can. Last year, we were also in the same position of trying to survive one game after another. But this time, we’re at a level where three other teams are playing for the same objective."

Favis said the Tigers hardly took a break during the Christmas holidays to concentrate on the mission ahead.

Last Friday night, Coca-Cola survived a do-or-die game to eke out a 99-98 win over Alaska and kept its hopes alive for a playoff.

"Before the overtime started, I told the guys during the timeout this was the height of enjoyment," said Favis. "Imagine, playing in overtime. Then, after we won, we just stayed in the sidelines for a while, enjoying the moment. It was unbelievable."

Favis said he spoke to his 1-2 punch, John Arigo and Ali Peek, prior to the Alaska game.

"I told Ali we would only go as far as he would take us," said Favis. "I asked Ali to carry us. I told John to be our leader, that it’s no longer enough for him to play well, that he has to be able to get everyone else to play better. John has done everything we’ve asked him to. He scores, plays defense and gets everyone involved. Ali and John are both our leaders."

Then there is point guard Denok Miranda who has averaged 17.5 points the last two games.

"Denok is starting to be a leader, something we’ve always wanted him to be," said Favis. "It’s not luck that’s putting him in a good situation. He’s working hard at making the good plays."

Although prize rookie Joseph Yeo hasn’t scored the last two contests, Favis said he’s not complaining.

"Believe it or not, with those two scoreless games which we won by the way, we’re finally seeing the glitter in Joseph," said Favis. "He’s showing a lot of poise. His job is to take the shot, not necessarily make the shot. He’s a work in progress and he’s learning. We’re investing in Joseph because it’s rare to find a player with his heart. Against Alaska, he did a good job of defending (Dale) Singson and I commended him for it. He’s in a period of adjustment. In the past, he always looked to shoot when he had the ball and when he didn’t have the ball, he looked for the ball. Now, he’s being asked to do more things, like pass and defend. He’s coming along fine."

Favis said Jason Misolas, M. C. Caceres, Allan Salangsang and Chris Pacana are also major contributors to Coca-Cola’s late surge.

"Jason and M. C. play the four spot for us," he said. "With Jason in the game, we’re able to do a lot more defensively. He does the dirty job for us. M. C. is a welcome find while Allan broke out of a slump at the right time when he took over from Will (Antonio) who pulled a hamstring against Alaska. Chris is a natural offensive player but he’s learning to improve his overall game."

Antonio, who hit 17 points before limping back to the bench last Friday, will likely sit out today’s game and the Air21 encounter on Wednesday.

Favis said team manager Allan Caidic’s presence has made a difference, too.

"Allan and I have worked together before," said Favis. "We just look at each other and we know what we’re thinking. He’s an inspiration to our team. Our previous manager, Hector Calma, was also an inspiration to us. So we’ve been blessed by the presence of both legends."

Favis said talk of San Miguel Corp. selling the Coca-Cola franchise has triggered some uncertainties among the players but the team’s representative to the PBA Board of Governors Hector Guballa assured them the Tigers will remain in the pro league.

"Whatever happens, Mr. Guballa told the players they’ll be in good hands," said Favis. "There is really nothing to worry about."

Favis said he’s not taking Sta. Lucia lightly in today’s game even if the Tigers beat the Realtors in their last meeting.

"Sta. Lucia has lost four in a row which is why I’m worried," said Favis. "They want to break the losing streak and they’ll surely go all out against us. But we’ll be prepared. We’re not thinking of a playoff or the quarterfinals. We’re just thinking of enjoying this one game against Sta. Lucia and winning."