Oracle, Cobra in KO match

MANILA, Philippines – Oracle Residences and Cobra dispute the last finals slot today in Game Five of their semifinal series in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.

Gametime is set at 2 p.m. with the Titans hoping to rediscover their form and stop the resurgent Energy Warriors.

The winner will face Pharex in another best-of-five showdown for the crown starting Tuesday.

Cobra forced a sudden death by pulling off an 88-80 victory in Game 4. But Oracle is going all out to redeem itself from back-to-back setbacks.

The Titans are expected to show up with Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, JR Cawaling and center Aldrech Ramos, members of the RP team that placed fifth in the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Jakarta recently.

“If they are ready to play for us then why not?” said Oracle team manager Erick Arejola. “We have to take the risk since they have been away from the team for quite a while.”

Cobra coach Lawrence Chongson is aware of Oracle’s plan to use Barroca and company but the Energy Kings are unfazed.

“They are not imports, so we’ll be ready for them,” said Chongson.

Outside shooting and ball movement, according to Chongson, hold the key to their success. Patrick Cabahug, Parri Llagas, Paul Lee, James Martinez and Rudy Lingganay are expected to contribute for the Energy Warriors.

Rico Maierhofer bounced back from a sub-par Game 3 to post his usual numbers while Jerwin Gaco posted yet another double-double but come crunch time, they were unable to lift the Titans to a series-clinching win.

The Titans need a big boost for this crucial showdown and Barroca, Baracael, Cawaling and Ramos are expected to provide the firepower.