Purefoods seeks to firm up its lead against Magnolia today while Red Bull tries to stay within striking distance of the leader as it takes on Air21 in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Giants are lording it over the 10-team field with a 9-1 (win-loss) slate but coach Ryan Gregorio wants his charges to keep that winning attitude.
“I expect them to go all out after a loss,” said Gregorio a week after a protest-marred 87-86 squeaker over the Alaska Aces.
“We will not stop playing tough and be the best that we can be,” he added.
Magnolia also vows to bring in its best game in the 7:20 p.m. duel in a bid to neutralize Purefoods’ awesome firepower.
“They are playing at the highest level so we have to get to that level they’re in if we want to have a chance at beating them,” said Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Meanwhile, the Bulls, in second with a 6-3 slate, hope to roll past the Express, in sixth place with a 4-4 card, at 4:25 p.m.
With former Red Bull key players Enrico Villanueva, Lordy Tugade and Larry Fonacier now in their roster, the Beverage Masters, with five wins to show in nine games, have yet to play to their full potential.