PBL heavies square off in blockbuster tiffs

A pair of explosive matches awaits PBL fans today as the league’s top four teams, led by unbeaten Burger King and defending champion Harbour Centre, clash at resumption of action in the PBL Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center.

The Burger Whoppers, riding high on a 4-0 (win-loss) mark, collide with the Toyota Balintawak Roadkings at 2 p.m. while the Batang Pier take on Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala Moneymen at 4 p.m. in what many considered as a preview of the Final Four.

All four teams are coming off impressive victories but it was Burger King, which had to pass through the proverbial eye of the needle to remain unscathed.

The Whoppers needed two overtimes before subduing a stubborn Dazz ‘Sang Patak side, 101-98, last Saturday in a game where Ronjay Buenafe staked his claim as the league’s newest star.

Hardly noticed before the start of the season-ending tournament, the 6-foot-1 Buenafe has blossomed into a topnotch player, averaging 23 points in the last two games to clinch his first Player of the Week award from the Press Corps.

With both the Batang Pier and Moneymen toting similar 3-1 slates, expect a rugged and exciting encounter.

Harbour trounced San Miguel-Magnolia, 79-72, while the Moneymen, banking heavily on Ken Bono, Macky Escalona and Doug Kramer, beat Toyota Balintawak last Thursday.

For Cebuana Pera Padala coach Luigi Trillo, playing against a star-studded team like Harbour Centre is the biggest challenge for every team in the league.

Harbour Centre has so many weapons in its arsenal,among them last conference MVP Jason Castro, Chico Lanete, JC Intal, Ryan Arana, Jojo Duncil and a slew of veteran big men.

"If you stop Jason, then they still have Chico, JC and other Jojo," said Trillo. "Harbour is the barometer in the league, if you beat them, then you have good chances in this tournament."

But Harbour coach Jorge Gallent won’t buy Trillo’s impression, saying: "We have pretty good materials in the team but if we don’t play as a team we’re nothing."

The Toyota Roadkings razed a 20-point deficit early and then leaned on a banked three-point shot by Patrick Cabahug late in the game to frustrate Henkel Sista, 78-71.

The Cabahug-Buenafe showdown is expected to provide additional color to the game also expected to be tight and exciting.

It’s not yet certain whether Toyota Balintawak’s ace point guard is ready to play today. He missed the team’s first four games due to mumps.