Alas ignores Metrostars' raps

Despite a threat of a legal suit from the Manila Metrostars, coach Louie Alas continues to sit on the Mobiline bench with the Phone Pals hoping to sustain the momentum of their strong start under a new coaching staff as they go up against a rejuvenated Shell Velocity team today at the Philsports Arena.

Mobiline and Shell clash at 7:30 p.m. with both seeking to boost their drive for a seat in the Magic Four which guarantees a twice-to-beat incentive in the Alaxan PBA All-Filipino Cup quarterfinals.

San Miguel Beer, with main man Dan Seigle returning to its lineup, tries to formalize its spot in the Top Four as it takes on the slumping Sta. Lucia side in the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser.

The Beermen will be out to regain the solo lead in the chart but focus should be on the Phone Pals as they play their second game, with Alas and Aric del Rosario calling the shots for the team.

At the moment, Del Rosario is the interim coach and Alas the team consultant as the Mobiline team management has yet to resolve Alas' contract problem with the Manila Metrostars.

Mobiline team manager Debbie Tan said the status quo remains as they still have yet to get answer from the Metrostars on their buyout offer on Alas' contract with the MBA ballclub.

Manila officials have said they will file a suit against Alas as he started to work with the Phone Pals in their won game versus the Beermen the last time out while his contract problem in the MBA remained unresolved.

Mobiline top honcho Manny Pangilinan ordered Alas to sit on the Mobiline bench vs San Miguel Friday.