Depleted Titans seek repeat vs Bidang Generix

MANILA, Philippines – Oracle Residences tries to make it two in a row over Pharex in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup title series without its main men as Mark Barroca and Aldrech Ramos finally left for Japan yesterday to join the RP developmental team in a series of exhibition games.

Barroca and Ramos were actually scheduled to leave last Monday but opted to delay their flight and saw action in Game One of the best-of-five series with the former scoring 14 points and hauling down nine rebounds to help power the Titans to a 79-73 win.

But without Barroca and Ramos, Oracle coach Glen Capacio said they will have to double their effort, especially on defense in a bid to take Pharex’s top guns out of their comfort zones.

“We have to play much better defensively if we want to beat Pharex again,” said Capacio, who will rely on Rico Maierhofer, Chris Timberlake and Benedict Fernandez in the absence of Mac Baracael and JR Cawaling, who are also members of the RP developmental team.

Though Barroca failed to match his 30-point performance in their 97-77 rout of Cobra Energy Drink for the other finals berth, the FEU stalwart provided the needed firepower and leadership for the Titans as he alternated with Chris Timberlake in hounding Fil-Am Chris Ross of Pharex.

Another concern for Capacio is bull-strong Ronnie Matias, who proved unstoppable underneath, scoring a career-high 28 points, including 10 in the last period.

“We really have to do something about the production of Matias. We also have to shut down their outside shooters,” said Capacio.

Pharex shot poorly in the first half in the series’ opener but recovered at resumption when Francis Allera and Ian Saladaga finally hit their strides.

Pharex coach Carlo Tan said they will also have to limit the 6-6 Maierhofer and also put up a defensive blanket on key Oracle gunners to draw even.