Beermen, Pals target 2-to-nil leads

The Talk n Text Phone Pals and the San Miguel Beermen, victorious in contrasting fashions Sunday, feel they face the same tough challenge against rivals determined to even things up today.

The Phone Pals and the Beermen expect the Shell Turbochargers and the Red Bull Barakos to offer stiff resistance as they both go for a commanding two-game-to-nil lead in their respective Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Cup best-of-five semifinals showdowns at the Araneta Coliseum.

"Game Two is always about meeting the challenge of the losing party in Game One. The loser in the series opener always works hard to even up in Game Two specially in a short series like this," said Talk n Text coach Joel Banal.

"We feel good winning Game One but know we still have a long way to go. Red Bull will work hard to get even in Game Two," said San Miguel coach Jong Uichico.

The Phone Pals broke the ice in their duel against the Turbochargers with a 97-74 rout while the Beermen drew first blood in their own showdown against the Barakos with a come-from-behind 89-81 win.

The Phone Pals and the Beermen know that a one-zero lead doesn’t guarantee a series victory.

"Na one-zero nga ng Alaska ang Red Bull in a best-of-three series, pero nakalusot pa rin ang Red Bull," said Uichico on the Barakos’ escape act versus the Aces in their recent quarterfinals tiff.

Banal, meanwhile, has remained impressed of Shell’s stirring showing in the wildcard and quarterfinals that enabled them to have a semifinal date with Talk n Text.

"They’d been in a four-game romp in the playoffs. It’s tough to do that," said Banal. "We’re hoping they become complacent, and they did in Game One. But for sure, they’ll make the necessary adjustments in Game Two."

Both Banal and Uichico believe the two-day break is more than enough for Shell and Red Bull to plot a new strategy.

But result of the Talk n Text-Shell game Sunday convinced not a few that the Phone Pals would have easy time repulsing the Turbochargers for a return stint in the PBA finals.

There are even reports that Shell import Ajani Williams is hurting with a groin injury. Williams struggled for only seven points and five rebounds Sunday.

Jerald Honeycutt scored only nine points but collected 11 rebounds and seven assists.

The San Miguel-Red Bull clash, meanwhile, remains too close to call.

Uichico himself admitted their Game One win is anything but convincing.

Danny Seigle could well give San Miguel an additional boost but Uichico said his ace gunner’s status remains uncertain.

"We may finally suit him up or we may keep him out. We’re evaluating his condition on a day-to-day basis," said Uichico.