Harbour Centre, Toyota back to square 1

With their title series now reduced to a best-of-three affair, expect a war when Harbour Centre and Toyota Otis clash today for the go-ahead victory in their title showdown in the PBL Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center.

The Port Masters fought back from a 17-point (51-68) setback in Game One by burying the Sparks, also via a rout Saturday — a 78-63 victory that evened their best-of-five playoff at one game apiece.

Though the first two games were decided in lopsided fashions, observers believe the pivotal Game Three, set at 3 p.m., is likely to go down-to-the-wire since both teams have seen and studied the strength and weaknesses of each other.

Adjustment will be a key factor and the ability to execute their respective game plans will spell the difference between victory and defeat in today’s crucial encounter expected to draw in another packed crowd.

"It’s a must-win for both of us, so I expect another fierce battle," said Harbour Centre’s LA Tenorio who, with Joseph Yeo and Chico Lanete, stepped up in Game Two after a so-so stint in the series’ opener.

"I know Toyota Otis will come back strong so we have to match if not better the Sparks’ intensity," said Tenorio.

In Game One, Harbour Centre’s offense was so pathetic and disorganized, enabling the Sparks to run them over to the ground with their run and gun game.

Yeo, Tenorio and Lanete — all deadly from the 3-point area — typified Harbour Centre’s struggle as they miserably missed their target all day. The spitfirish Yeo even flubbed all his six tries from the trey while Lanete was held scoreless.

"In Game 1, we played like kids but now we’re starting to play as big guys," said Harbour Centre coach Jorge Gallent. "We have to be real smart and tough."

Toyota Otis coach Louie Alas agreed that Yeo, Lanete and Tenorio hurt them most.

"We have to contain the three and limit Harbour’s production to below 60 points," said Alas. "We also have to be mentally sharp."

Prior to Game 2, the Toyota Otis Sparks had limited their rivals to below 60 points and won five straight games, including a masterful three-game sweep of Rain or Shine in the semis.

Yeo scored the bulk of his 25 points in the first half while Tenorio and Lanete took charge of the team’s business in the last two quarters to finish with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Meantime, the league will pay tribute to Rain or Shine, formerly Welcoat, in recognition for its outstanding achievement in the league, having won six titles in 10 finals appearances.