Magnolia, Cobra start quarterfinal series

MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia Purewater and Cobra Energy Drink clash today at the start of their best-of-three quarterfinal series in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.

The two teams split their games in the double round classification round with the Wizards nipping the Energy Warriors, 69-67, in the first round before the latter evened things up with a 67-65 win.

The close results point to another close contest with the winner of the series joining Oracles, Licealiz and Pharex in the semis. 

The Wizards are coming off an impressive 75-63 win over the Hair Doctors while the Energy Warriors dropped their last two games.

Magnolia actually wound up tied with Licealiz and Pharex but was relegated to the quarterfinal playoff with an inferior quotient.

Still, the Wizards remain upbeat on their chances for a spot in the next round.

“We can’t do about it, so we have just to move on and do the right thing next,” said Koy Banal, who will lean on Eder Saldua, Fil-Am rookie Edwin Torres, Chester Taylor and veteran Al Magpayo, who scored 15 points the last time out.