Gems launch title drive vs Voltz

Fresh from their rousing victory over the Manila Metrostars in the Intra-Conference final, the Cebu Gems take on a bigger mission today when they face the Iloilo Megavoltz at the start of their MBA Southern Conference semis playoff at the Cebu City Coliseum.

The Gems, who swept the Metrostars, 2-0, for the Intra-Conference crown last week, go up against the Megavoltz at 6:30 p.m. hoping for a big headstart in their best-of-three showdown where the winner advances to the Southern Conference final.

The Gems, riding high on a 13-game winning streak, defeated the Megavoltz in their first two meetings this season, including an 87-75 decision last Sept. 3 in Iloilo.

The other semis matchup in the South pits the Davao Eagles against Negros Slashers who took Game One last Sunday in Davao City, 96-90.

In the Northern Conference, the Metrostars launch their own bid for the national title when they meet the Pasig-Rizal Pirates at the Pasig Sports Complex. The game is set at 4 p.m. with the Metrostars gambling on an injured Romel Adducul.

Adducul hurt his right foot in Game One of the Intra-Conference final and did not see action when the Gems completed a sweep of the best-of-three series. Also on the injury list for Manila is veteran Peter Martin.

"We want him (Adducul) to play kahit limited minutes lang para makatulong sa ilalim," said Metrostars coach Boyzie Zamar. "Malaki na kasi ang nakataya dito. National playoffs na ito at wala nang atrasan. Pipilitin na namin ilaro si Adducul."

Disputing the other berth for the Northern Conference final are the San Juan Knights and the Laguna Lakers. The Knights, led by the sweet-shooting Chris Calaguio, won the series opener last Sunday on their home turf, 93-84.

Aside from Adducul’s injury, another problem facing the Metrostars is how to stop the Pirates’ explosive duo of Dorian Peña and Bong Alvarez. - Joey Villar