Revenge theme of Game 1

If there’s one thing in mind of Welcoat Paints coach Leo Austria, that is to get back at Dazz Dishwashing Liquid when the two teams start their best-of-five championship series today in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

Austria wanted so much to win the first PBL match in his native province Quezon last Jan. 11 but the Paint Masters were whipped on his own turf by the Greasebusters, 49-62.

This time, he vowed not to let his fellow Quezonians down.

"Gusto naming makabawi, and that’s why we’ve been through a rigid practice these past three days to prepare for this match," said Austria.

"Pag championship kasi, lalabas at lalabas ang talent nyan. The team felt relieved of the pressure after clinching a finals berth, and it has given them the confidence to surpass the odds in Game One," he added.

Gametime is at 5:15 p.m. with the game to be aired live over the National Broadcasting Network through the support of the Quezon provincial government headed by Gov. Willie Enverga through sports coordinators Romy Cardenas and Eddie Barcelona and Councilor Tomas Ilao.

LBC-Batangas and Blu All-Purpose begin their best-of-three showdown for third place at 3:15 p.m.

The Detergent Kings are highly favored having won twice over the Batangas Blades, 93-75, last Nov. 9 in Pasig and, 70-55, at the Makati Coliseum last Dec. 12.

On the other hand, Welcoat and Dazz hold a 1-1 card against each other. The Paint Masters prevailed, 86-75, last Nov. 17 in Pasig but the Greasebusters took a 62-49 revenge on coach Leo Austria’s turf also at Quezon.

The Paint Masters are eyeing their fifth crown in seven finals appearances with Austria seeking his third crown in five championship encounters with Dazz coach Junel Baculi.

The Greasebusters, on the other hand, are looking forward to their second crown in three championship stints with Baculi gunning for his sixth PBL championship belt in nine finals appearances.

For the record, Baculi has defeated Austria 12 times in 20 championship games and has won 22 games overall in his career 34 championship matches.

Expect tight matchups among Welcoat’s Romel Adducul, Eddie Laure, Ronald Tubid, Ariel Capus and Paul Artadi versus Dazz’ John Ferriols, Allan Salangsang, Cyrus Baguio, Peter June Simon and ace pointguard Eugene Tan.