PBA RP Cup is survival of the fittest

CEBU, Philippines - With Kerby Raymundo, Mark Pingris and Rafi Reavis sidelined by injuries, defending the PBA Philippine Cup championship could be a tough act for B-Meg Derby Ace.

GAMES TODAY

(Araneta Coliseum)

4 pm Rain or Shine vs Meralco

6:30 pm Derby Ace vs Ginebra

Things could get even worse with the Big Trio unlikely to rejoin their teammates anytime soon.

After a 0-3 start, the Llamados finally barged into the win column with a 75-71 decision over Meralco last Wednesday but had to practically grind it out against a ragtag team.

“B-Meg is having problem with their three guys out,” observed Tim Cone, coach of the Alaska Aces, who dealt the Llamados an 87-92 blowout last Oct. 13.

Given the conference format, Cone said it is crucial for teams to have strong start and “win the games you are supposed to win.”

“Teams can’t fall too far behind with injuries. It’s a short conference so you could be out right away,” the Alaska coach said.

For the 2010-11 Philippine Cup the PBA Commissioner’s Office has opted for the inter-intra format, which means each of the 10 teams will play a total of 14 games in the elimination round. The two last placed teams after the round gets eliminated while the eight remaining survivors advance to the quarters with the No. 1 and 2 teams earning a twice-to-beat advantage.

“I think it’s good. But I would prefer the double round (elims) for the All-Filipino,” offered Coach Chot Reyes of Talk N’ Text.

Reyes agrees with Cone that getting off the gates strong is very vital.

“That’s the key. Go out strong, be in good position and take advantage of it,” he said.

Truly, the elimination round has become a survival of the fittest and, in the words of Cone, “You can not let your team not be ready for every game.”

Still, Reyes believes the conference format also gives a fair chance to the so called “weak” teams.

“Dahil maiksi (eliminations) may tsamba,” he pointed out.

Under the format, the 10 teams are divided into two groups. Teams in the same group play each once while engaging teams in the opposite group twice.

“It’s really important that you invest early so you could capitalize on it later on. So we have to really exploit on every advantage we have,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

Surprisingly, while the rest of the teams are focused on making noise early, Meralco Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio has set a different goal for his troops.

“It is very important to win as many games as possible. In a short elimination format, every win counts,” said the three-time Coach of the Year.

“But the challenge for us is to play consistently well day in day out. We can not relax knowing that our talent level is not at par compared to the other teams. In other words, the only way for us to win is if we outwork the opponent,” he said. (FREEMAN SPORTS)