Masters, Express clash in crucial tiff

Magnolia and Air21, coming off a two-day break, brace for a crucial matchup tonight as they dispute the pivotal 3-2 lead in their Smart PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven semifinals showdown at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beverage Masters, regaining the momentum with a cliffhanger of a win in Game 4 Sunday, and the Express, seeking a first-ever championship stint, clash in the lone match at 7 p.m. with the winner moving a win from arranging a title showdown with the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

The crowd favorites made the finals Sunday by completing their four-game sweep of the Red Bull Barakos in their side of the semis duel.

“Our games since the elims have always been close and I don’t see it getting easier the rest of the series. It’s anybody’s game. It will come down to who wants it more,” said Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The Beverage Masters banked on a clutch basket by Amal McCaskill as they nipped the Express, 104-102, to reduce the series to a best-of-three affair.

“If our last few games would be a reflection on how the series should be won, then we have to be very precise in our execution, offensively and defensively. It’s really tight. It’s down to a best-of-three series and we can’t  afford costly mistakes,” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

The  two teams have fought in a tight series with all their games decided by no more than four points except the series’ opener missed by Air21 import Steven Thomas.

“The beauty of the game and the balance of the teams – these are the things relished in this series. If you are just an observer, you will really enjoy the games,” said Tanquingcen.

The Magnolia mentor said the series has turned into a battle of styles and clash of will, leaving odds-makers at a loss on which team would prevail in the end.

“It’s really, really close that in the end, I think the one who wills itself and imposes its style of game over the other will win it,” said Tanquingcen.

If Magnolia veteran guard Olsen Racela would have his way, the Beverage Masters would engage the Express in a free-wheeling offensive battle.