Hapee, Pharex duel for last semis berth

Pharex and Hapee Toothpaste dispute the last semis berth today when they clash in the sudden-death of their quarterfinal series in the 2009 PBL PG-Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.

Though former Ateneo King Eagle Chris Tiu will be reinforcing the Complete Protectors this time, the Generix remain the odds-on favorites in the 3 p.m. encounter owing to their remarkable surge.

Almost given up for lost after losing all their six games in the first round, the Generix fought back into contention behind Ian Saladaga, JR Gerilla, Chris Ross, Ronnie Matias and Elmer Espiritu as they won five of their next six games and earn the right to meet Hapee in the quarters.

The Complete Protectors actually secured a twice-to-beat edge after finishing at No. 4 behind Harbour Centre, Magnolia Purewater and Bacchus but the Generix beat them, 76-61, last Saturday to force a sudden death.

“We’re still alive and kicking,” said Pharex coach Carlo Tan.

Espiritu scored seven straight points, including a triple, while shackling Jervy Cruz all game with his rugged defense in their recent win.

He went on to finish with 10 points and eight rebounds while limiting Cruz, who averaged 14 points, to six points and five rebounds.

Tan, however, said they still have to play tough and smart to repeat over Hapee and advance to the Final Four for the first time since joining the league two years ago.

Hapee team manager Bernard Yang said Tiu is raring to see action with the former Ateneo star vowing to give his all to help the team make it to the next round.

“He has not played competitive basketball but we know what kind of a player he is. He’s smart, tough and very disciplined, so we know he can help us a lot,” said Yang. “He has been practicing for the national squad, so it will be easy for him to jell with the team.”

Aside from Tiu, other players expected to step up for Hapee are Jim Viray, Josh Vanlandingham, Anthony Espiritu, Alfie Grijaldo and Roel Hugnatan.