Welcoat, Fash in dry run for PBL final

Defending champion and league-leading Welcoat Paints collides with bitter-rival Fash Liquid Laundry Detergent today in a preview of what is expected to be a classic title showdown at the close of the semis round in the PBL Platinum Cup at the Pasig Sports Center.

Though it’s going to be a non-bearing game after booking berths in the finals as early as Tuesday, expect both teams to go all-out in a bid to gain the so-called "psychological edge" factor when they tangle at 4 p.m.

Blustar Detergent and Sunkist-UST will have their own dry run for their battle for third place when they clash at 2 p.m. with the Detergent Kings out to end their semis campaign on high note.

The Liquid Power, toting an 11-6 record, are enjoying a 2-1 edge over the Paint Master (13-4) in their head-to-head battle this conference but coach Junel Baculi is as determined as ever to beat their bitter rival.

"It’s a non-bearing game but we will be out there fighting for every rebound and every loose ball," said Baculi. "Iba na yong galing ka sa panalo bago mag-finals, iba ang feeling mo nun."

Welcoat coach Leo Austria readily agreed, saying: "Kailangang makatabla kami sa kanila bago mag-finals. Importante rin ’yon kahit na non-bearing game."

After absorbing a 68-70 beating at the hands of the Detergent Kings last Thursday, the Liquid Power can’t afford to play around this time if they want to beat the Paint Masters again.

Against Blustar, Baculi used various combinations and strategies in the middle quarters and appeared to be successful until the Detergent Kings came through with a whirlwind windup to prevail.

Still, Baculi was quite impressed with the way his second unit responded to his challenge, adding that: "We almost made it. At least alam ko na ang diperensiya kung sakaling iyon ang gagawin namin sa finals."

Unlike the Liquid Power, the Paint Master showed no mercy in beating the Tigers, 74-62, as Jojo Tangkay came up with another splendid performance that more than made up for the anemic showing of pro-bound Ervin Sotto who managed only two points in only eight minutes of action.