Harbour faces Hapee; Magnolia vs Bacchus

Harbour Centre hopes to reassert its mastery over Hapee Toothpaste as they start their best-of-five semifinal showdown in the 2009 PBL PG-Flex Linoleum Cup today at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

The Batang Pier have beaten the Complete Protectors in their last two title clashes although the latter are raring to get back at the former in their keenly-awaited match starting at 2 p.m.

Magnolia and Bacchus clash in the other semis duel at 5 p.m.

Both matches will be aired live on Channel 9.

Bacchus coach Lawrence Chongson said the Wizards have the advantage in height and experience but the Energy Warriors vowed to use their quickness to run down their rivals.

“We need to step up on our defense and sustain our running game to have a chance of beating Magnolia,” said Chongson.

Magnolia swept Bacchus in the double-round elims.

Harbour Centre is gunning for its sixth straight finals stint with coach Jorge Gallent likewise out to use a fast, quick game against the Complete Protectors.

“Since they have already played two games in four days, we have to start strong and aggressive in both ends of the court,” said Gallent.

“We have to take advantage of our quickness and height by playing in the paint.”

Harbour Centre team manager Erick Arejola said the team will be reinforced by Al Vergara who arrived Tuesday from Singapore. The 5-foot-8 Vergara has been playing for the Singapore Slingers since last year.

“He will add experience and firepower to the team,” said Arejola. “Mark (Barroca) is a good player but we still need the resilience of Vergara.”

Hapee coach Gee Abanilla and team manager Bernard Yang are confident that Chris Tiu will now play comfortably after playing for the first time in their knockout match against Pharex on Tuesday which they won, 84-81.

“Chris will again provide stability and maturity to the team, he’s got a good basketball IQ,” said Abanilla of the former Ateneo King Eagle who finished with seven points, four rebounds and as the same number of assists in his rookie debut to the league.

Though he likes the series to go the full route, Abanilla said they have to work on a lot of things, especially in their transition defense and rebounding to have a decent chance of winning.