Coach lauds Jewels dazzling run in Unity Cup

When Nel Parado took over as coach of Montana Pawnshop this conference, the amiable coach never imagined they would be leading in the standings at this crucial stage of the elims.

"It really did not cross my mind that we would be on top of the heap at this stage, I though we would just be in the middle," said Parado. "Perhaps, the boys just want to prove something that’s why they’re working very, very hard."

With an 8-2 record, the Jewels also have an excellent chance of clinching the first outright semis berth in the 2006 PBL Unity Cup.

"Our players are inspired because of the all-out support provided by our bosses in Davao. We just hope we could sustain our momentum," said team manager Jun Abraham.

But first they have to hurdle Granny Goose Tortillos again when they clash in the featured match at 4 p.m.

Also worth watching is the 2 p.m. tussle between the rejuvenated TeleTech squad and Magnolia Ice Cream.

After losing five straight games despite leading much of the game, the Titans seem to have rediscovered how to win again as they beat the Snackmasters, 76-74, the last time out. The Snackmasters were the only squad the Titans managed to get past in the first round.

For the Titans to advance into the quarterfinal round, they have to win their last four games.