Beermen seek playoff seat vs Realtors

MANILA, Philippines - Red-hot San Miguel Beer, riding on the crest of a six-game run, squares off with Sta. Lucia Realty tonight, looking for an outright seat in the PBA Fiesta Conference playoff phase at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen tackle the Realtors at 7:30 p.m. in what could be one of Kelly Williams’ last few games with the franchise.

Sta. Lucia governor and team manager Buddy Encarnado said negotiations are underway for Williams’ transfer to Talk n Text although the team remains upbeat.

“We have overcome some problems and I expect the team to play harder than the last time,” said Encarnado.

“The players are motivated. Marlou Aquino is playing his best as evident in our last game. And the other players are living up to expectations,” added Encarnado, confident they can hold their own against the streaking Beermen.

Sta. Lucia has won its last two games versus Air21 and Coca-Cola, allowing the team to close in on the leaders.

Ranged against former teammate Dennis Espino and old rival Asi Taulava, Aquino played his best game in a long while as Sta. Lucia scored its first back-to-back wins in the tourney on a 108-94 drubbing of Coca-Cola Saturday.

Aquino went 8-of-16 from the two-point zone and also knocked in a rare trey and a charity for 20 points in his most productive game since making 22 in Game Two of their best-of-five quarterfinals showdown with Red Bull in the 2006-2007 Philippine Cup.

Aquino and his teammates, however, face a tough game versus a San Miguel team looking for a remarkable 8-1 closing record in the first round of the eliminations. A win guarantees the Beermen of a seat in the playoffs.

Coca-Cola (4-4) and Alaska Milk (3-3) seek to move in the upper half of the chart as they clash in the 5 p.m. opener.

“Everybody in our team understands the sense of urgency of getting our act together again. Playing Alaska would be tough, but we just have to find a way to win,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

The Tigers paced the field before losing their last three games.