Coke mixes it up vs SMB sans Hatfield

With Rudy Hatfield still working on the required documents needed for his return to the pro league, Coca-Cola will make do with its current lineup as it plays San Miguel Beer in the San Mig Coffee PBA Fiesta Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo today.

Hatfield has been cleared by no less than the Office of the President but is still required to come up with the requirements set by the league on foreign-born players before he could play again in the PBA.

"There’s still no certainty when will he be able to complete his papers. Pero habang wala siya, laban pa rin kami," said Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis.

The Tigers and the Beermen mix it up at 4:40 p.m. with both looking to rebound from a losing debut in the tourney backed by Xtreme Magic Sing. The Tigers bowed to the Ginebra Kings Wednesday while the Beermen were defeated by the Talk n Text Phone Pals Friday.

The Phone Pals and the Air21 Express clash in the day’s other game at 7:25 p.m. disputing the early solo league leadership.

Talk n Text and Air21 are the only remaining teams with clean slate. On the same day the Phone Pals whipped the Beermen, 74-66, the Express nipped the Purefoods Hotdogs, 88-86, Friday at the Ynares Center.

The TnT-Air21 duel could well show which team has gained more benefits in their two blockbuster trades during the off-season.

Yancy de Ocampo put in decent numbers with 12 points, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal on his return to the Air21 lineup versus Purefoods.

Anthony Washington, sent by FedEx to Talk n Text in exchange for De Ocampo, debuted in the pro league with seven points and five rebounds against the Beermen.

Mark Cardona and Patrick Fran were involved in the other trade consummated by the two teams.

With a solid crew which also features Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag, Vic Pablo, Mark Telan and Harvey Carey, the Phone Pals are heavily favored against the Express.