PBL finals or bust for Wizards, Warriors

Magnolia and Bacchus dispute the last finals berth in a winner-take-all match today in the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena, in Pasig City.

The Wizards, behind former pro Neil Raneses, blasted the Energy Warriors, 83-69, in Game Four Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City to force a sudden death set at 2 p.m.

Magnolia, seeking its first finals appearance since 2006, is expected to lean on Raneses again to arrange a best-of-five title showdown with five-peat champion Harbour Centre. Raneses exploded for 23 points and hauled down 12 rebounds the last time out.

The Batang Pier clinched the first championship slot by sweeping the Hapee Toothpaste Complete Protectors in their side of the semis duel.

“In a Game Five, there is no such thing as momentum, it’s all about who plays with pride and confidence,” said Magnolia coach Koy Banal, hoping to steer the San Miguel Corp.-owned franchise to a third title in a decade.