Depleted Oracle eyes sweep versus Magnolia

MANILA, Philippines - Oracle Residences goes for a sweep of first round of the classification phase without four of its mainstays as it collides with Magnolia Purewater in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the San Juan City gym.

The Oracle Titans racked up three straight wins in emphatic fashions but are expected to encounter stiff resistance from the Wizards, tied with the Cobra Energy Warriors for second with 1-1 slates.

One thing going against Oracle in its 4 p.m. clash with Magnolia is that it will suit up minus four of its top players, including Mark Barroca, who left for the US along with other members of the RP developmental team for a two-week training.

Cobra and Pharex square off in the 2 p.m. opener with the former hoping to come up with a follow up to their big 74-70 win over Licealiz last Saturday.

Paul Lee, Parri Llagas and Elmer Espiritu are expected to be back for Cobra after missing the team’s last game, further boosting the Energy Warriors’ chances against the Bidang Generix.

Pharex is in a must-win situation after dropping its first two games in the five-team tournament.

Aside from Barroca, coach Glenn Capacio will also be missing the services of Mac Baracael, Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling – all members of the RP team.