Viva tests John-O; Hapee vs Montana in PBL semis

Between a well-rested squad and a worn-out team, one would surely pick the former but Viva Mineral Water vows to outdo itself as it battles John-O today at the start of the semifinal round of the Sunkist PBL Unity Cup at the Pasay City Sports Complex.

"Everybody knows we’re tired," said Viva coach Coy Banal, whose wards are coming off a tough playoff victory over fancied Blu Star Power. "But we’re not going to let it stop us from achieving our main goal, which is to make it into the finals."

Gametime is set at 2 p.m.

Fancied Hapee Toothpaste and Montana Pawnshop clash in the other semis match at 4 p.m.

But unlike Blu Star, which sorely missed its former starters Aries Dimaunahan, Marlon Legaspi and Arnold Calo, John-O is a different team as it has kept the core of its old roster led by Ranidel de Ocampo, a talented center out of national collegiate champion St. Francis of Assisi.

De Ocampo, the current MVP statistical race leader, spearheads a veteran cast composed of Celino Cruz, Ricky Calimag, Mark Macapagal, Chris-Dennis Madrid and Richie Melencio.

De Ocampo, who averages 13 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and one shot block, is expected to achieve what Blu Star’s frontline had failed to do against Viva — dominate the shaded area — a strategy John-O mentor Dong Vergaire might use.

"We know we have an edge in terms of experience and height which we will try to take advantage of," said Vergaire, whose Senators finished tied with the Teeth Sparklers on top after the elims with 7-4 (win-loss) records.

The only advantage Banal and the Water Force know they have is their determination to win. "We know we are a young, inexperienced team but we compensate that with our ability of not giving up."

Vastly-improved Dennis Miranda is the man to watch for Viva. He knocked in 23 points in powering the team past Blu Star.

Defense will also play a key role for Viva, said Banal. "John-O has a taller line-up so if we can contain, if not stop them, we have a big chance of beating them."

Banal is pinning his hopes on his smaller but quicker frontline rotation in Gerard Jones, Mark Isip and Jason Misolas.