Ana, Ateneo-Pioneer dispute last semis slot

Ana Freezers and Ateneo-Pioneer dispute the sixth semis slot in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum in a playoff today with the former hoping to cash in on the latter’s crucial loss to also-ran La Salle-Osaka to clinch the last berth.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

Already on the verge of being ousted after losing, 52-58, to Blu Sun Power last Dec. 28, the Freezer Makers suddenly found themselves gaining a crack at a semis berth after Ateneo-Pioneer dropped a 59-66 decision to La Salle-Osaka last Thursday.

That setback enabled Ana Freezers to tie Ateneo-Pioneer with identical 4-6 (win-loss) records for sixth place at the close of the elims.

"We have many chances to beat them (La Salle-Osaka) but we failed to deliver," said Ateneo-Pioneer coach Joe Lipa. "But there’s still one more game to do it and we hope to learn from that mistake and translate it into a win."

Ana coach Dante Gonzalgo said they will try to make the most out of the chance by coming up with a big game today.

"Nung huling game namin, panalo na kami natalo pa. Ngayong may bagong pag-asa na naman kaming makapasok sa semis, gagawin na namin ang lahat para hindi na makawala pa ulit ang chance na ‘yon," said Gonzalgo.

He is expected to lean on PBA aspirants Marvin Ortiguerra and Roland Pascual, Ronald Tubid, Rey Mendez, Jojit Duremdes, Jake Agleron and former PBA cager Arnold Rodriguez. — Joey Villar