PharmaQuick, Giv dispute last slot

PharmaQuick and Giv Soap dispute the fourth and last semifinal berth in the PBL Chairman’s Cup in a sudden death match at the Makati Coliseum today.

The Pharmacists gained the right to face the No. 4 squad in Group I by topping Group 2, arranging the do-or-die contest after Hapee Toothpaste blew its bid for a playoff with a crushing defeat to Osaka last Thursday.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. in what many consider a duel of offense versus defense.

The Soap Masters are noted for their fluid offensive plays which anchored their fourth place finish in the winner’s bracket while the Pharmacists have consistently displayed tough defense to shackle their opponents en route to topping the losers’ group.

The winner will face topnotcher Shark in the semis although the Energizers, and the No. 2 team – Ana Freezers, enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage. The Freezer Makers tangle with the Welcoat Paintmasters in the other semis contest.

Giv thumpeh PharmaQuick, 85-70, in their first encounter, but the arrival of Bruce Dacia and Omanzie Rodriguez have made the Pharmacists a force to reckon with.

"We beat them once but that was before Dacia and Rodriguez came in," said Giv coach Nat Canson said. "They are tougher this time with the two players around but we have the talent and the heart to defeat them again."

Canson is expected to rely on Joseph Gumatay, Ernesto Billines, Edwin Bacani, Eric Dela Cuesta and John Paul Prior. – Joey Villar