Oracle, Pharex open title series

MANILA, Philippines – Oracle Residences will be without four of its stalwarts when it faces first-timer Pharex in the opener of the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup finals at the San Juan gym today. But the Titans remain upbeat of their chances, confident that their championship experience will carry them through in their best-of-five series with the Bidang Generix.

“I just hope they will exploit their vast championship experience,” said Oracle team manager Erick Arejola, referring to Rico Maierhofer, Jerwin Gaco, Edwin Asoro and Benedict Fernandez, members of the many-time champion Harbour Centre squad. “I have high respect for our players, so I’m confident they will step up big in this series.”

Minus Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling, the rest of the Titans will indeed have to rise to the challenge against a team raring to show its worth as a title contender.

The four Oracle players are with the RP developmental team set to play a series of exhibition games in Japan.

“In the finals, I think you need to be able to play any which way to win,” said Pharex coach Carlo Tan. “And I think all our players are a little excited being first-timers in the PBL finals.”

Gametime is at 3 p.m. with the Bidang Generix of Pascual Laboratories enjoying a slight edge over the Harbour Centre franchise, owner of the longest title run in the league with six.

Meantime, PBL officials, led by commissioner Chino Trinidad, will honor several players who made outstanding contributions to the league this season. Among the awards to be given are Academic All-Star, Fan Favorite, Quantum Leap, Quotable Coach, Defensive Stopper and Instant Impact.

Tan is also unfazed by the presence of the former Harbour Centre mainstays, saying his wards are more than capable to neutralize the talent and skills of Maierhofer and company.

“Lately, we’ve been mentally tougher and we’ll need to be that strong if we want to have a chance against a six-time champion,” said Tan.

“Without our national players, we’re the weakest team in the franchise history of Harbour Centre,” said Oracle mentor Glen Capacio. “But with or without Barroca and company, we will try our best to motivate the rest, including the veterans in the team as well as the new players.”

After helping the Titans beat the Cobra Energy Warriors in their do-or-die match for the other finals berth, Barroca, Ramos, Baracael and Cawaling left for Japan yesterday with the other members of the RP Developmental team to compete in an invitational tournament.

“I don’t care if the series will be a long one or short, our target is to win the championship,” said Capacio.