Knights, Lakers for showdown in Sta. Cruz today

A fierce duel is in the works as fancied teams Andok's San Juan and FedEx Laguna clash today in the first phase of the 2001 MBA season at the San Luis Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

The 6-foot-10 Jeff Flowers is expected to have a tough outing against 6-foot-9 Rafi Reavis and 6-foot-6 Omanzie Rodriguez in the shaded area while Chris Clay is likely to figure in a shootout with Chris Calaguio and Bruce Dacia as the Lakers host the Knights at 5:30 p.m.

Fashioning out a 112-91 demolition of Nueva Ecija two days back in Cabanatuan City, FedEx Laguna is currently in fifth spot with a 4-5 slate, two games ahead of its closest pursuers Nueva Ecija (2-7), Davao (2-7) and Socsargen (2-9) for the last berth in the next round.

Hurdling seven of its first 10 assignments, Andok’s San Juan, on the other hand, is in a tight race for key positions with leader Negros (9-3), LBC Batangas (6-2) and Cebuana Lhuillier (8-4) in the next round where the top two teams enjoy homecourt advantage.

The Knights barely escaped with a 90-88 win over the Lakers last June 13 at the San Juan gym.

Meanwhile, LBC Batangas seeks to extend its amazing run to three when it faces Davao at 3 p.m.

The Eagles are still in the thick of the fight for the fifth and last spot in the next round. — Joey Villar