Lee Pipes, Blu in battle for survival

Having whetted its winning appetite, Lee Pipes-Ateneo goes for win No. 3 when it collides with Blustar Detergent in a battle for survival as the race for the Top Four heats up further today in the 2004 PBL Unity Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Knowing how crucial their 4 p.m. tussle with the Detergent Kings is, the Eagles are expected to pull out all stops just like what they did in their past two games to secure the win that will bolster their chances for the top four.

But beating the Detergent Kings won’t be easy for sure.

The Detergent Kings also revived their faltering semis hopes alive by scoring a stunning 77-74 win over Welcoat Paints the other day to set up a grand showdown with the Eagles today. Both squads tote similar 2-5 records.

Just like the Eagles, Blustar coach Leo Isaac is hoping their win over the Paint Masters could turn their fortunes around, saying: "I just hope it could be the start of something good for the team. We have to be ready for this crucial match."

Defending champion Hapee Toothpaste battles Toyota Otis-Letran in the opening game at 2 p.m. with the Teeth Sparklers out to end a three-game slump. The Knights also need to win this game to prop up their bid after losing their last two games.

The Teeth Sparklers and Knights are carrying similar 3-4 records, so expect a bruising and interesting game as both squads badly need a shot in the arm to solidify their bids for a slot in the Top Four.

Streaking Viva Mineral Water-FEU and Welcoat have already secured the two outright semis berths. The third and fourth placers will have the luxury of beating their lower-ranked rivals only once to join Viva-FEU and Welcoat in the semis.

Although Sunkist-UST, Hapee and Toyota Otis-Letran can still catch up with Welcoat, there’s no way they can ease out the Paint Masters because of the winner- over-the-other rule. Welcoat will still meet Lee Pipes-Ateneo on Saturday and Viva-FEU next week.

Lee-Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga is again pinning his hopes on Larry Fonacier, Nino Gelig, LA Tenorio and the vastly improving Paolo Bugia.

Isaac is hoping that Jenkins Mesina and Dondon Villamin will again step to lessen the burden of top gun Erick Dela Cuesta.