Wiz try anew for semis seat versus Sparks

Magnolia Purewater tries to accomplish what it had failed to do the last time out as it guns for an outright semifinal berth against Toyota Otis today in the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Magnolia lost to Hapee Toothpaste, 73-76, last Tuesday with Fil-Am Josh Vanlandingham’s triple in the last 3.2 seconds lifting the Complete Protectors to the victory.

Magnolia, with a 7-3 card, is hoping to join five-peat champion Harbour Centre in the semis with a win over Toyota Otis in their 4 p.m. showdown.

“We’re expecting them (Toyota Otis) to come out strong, we just need to match their aggressiveness, if not surpass it,” said Magnolia coach Koy Banal.

The Sparks are in a tight three-way race with the BK Stunners and the Pharex Generix for the last two quarterfinal spots.

Toyota Otis is barely ahead with a 3-6 (win-loss) slate while BK and Pharex tote 3-7 and 2-7 records, respectively.

“This game will test our strength and character,” said Vanguardia.

The Stunners, for their part, are out to check a skid that included an 82-93 loss to the Batang Pier, also last Tuesday.

Burger King takes on Hapee Toothpaste in the first game at 2 p.m.

“We’re just going to focus on the small picture, which is to win the game tomorrow (today) and hope we could get over the hump,” said BK coach Allan Gregorio.

The Complete Protectors, tied with the Bacchus Energy Warriors on 5-5 cards, overpowered the Stunners, 91-76, in their first round meeting.