Realtors, Painters try to finish rivals off tonite

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia Realty and Rain or Shine vow to dish out their best in an attempt to boot out Burger King and Purefoods, respectively, in their Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinals showdowns today at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Elasto Painters go for the kill versus the Giants in their 5 p.m. tiff then the Realtors seek to bring the curtains down on the Whoppers season in their 7:30 p.m. contest.

“As long as we continue to be aggressive and stay focused on the game, we have a good chance,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, confident they can sustain their breakthrough run although prolific rookie guard Sol Mercado remains a doubtful starter with a pulled hamstring.

“I won’t deny that we’re looking to clinch the series but we have to play doubly hard to make that a reality. Clinching a series is as difficult as winning Game One,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

The Elasto Painters and the Realtors moved on the doorstep of the Final Four on stirring triumphs Sunday. The Elasto Painters drubbed the Giants, 96-87, while the Realtors whipped the Whoppers, 93-84.

Realtor Bitoy Omolon and Painter Gabe Norwood played key roles in their teams’ victories meriting them joint Motolite-Accel Player of the Week honors.

Though beaten convincingly Sunday, the Giants and the Whoppers are hopeful they can even the series and force a rubber match.

“We face another do-or-die situation and we are determined to live for another day. Defense would be given emphasis and teamwork on offense will be critical,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

Coach Yeng Guiao is aching to win for his mother club before leaving with the national team for Medan, Indonesia tomorrow to compete in the SEABA championship..

Meanwhile, JB Baylon, team manager of Powerade-Team Pilipinas, can’t wait to see the national team strut its wares in the Medan joust.

“I can’t wait to leave the PBA behind and start applauding the RP team,” said Baylon, the Tigers’ representative to the PBA board of governors during a pre-departure dinner he hosted Monday for the national team.

“I’m tired of players who shake their heads in the dugout after a game and say ‘Sorry, boss,’” he added. “I’m looking forward to cheering and celebrating victories, especially this time since the Philippine flag is involved and nothing is more important than that.”

Scheduled to leave for Indonesia at noon yesterday with Coke assistant team manager Gerard Francisco, PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial and RP team liaison officer Botong Chavez, Baylon said the thrill of the Nationals’ departure is matched only by his expectations upon their return on June 11.

“I’m looking forward to their arrival on the eve of Independence Day with the championship trophy,” he said. “No matter what you say, it’s still a championship and I think we need to do that – be a part of the celebration.”

The SEABA stint is the qualifying tournament for the FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship in Tianjin, China in August.