Quarters or bust for Tigers, E-Painters

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola, powered by a solid frontline led by Asi Taulava and Dennis Espino, and Rain or Shine, boasting of a talented backcourt tandem, slug it out tonight in the final knockout stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Tigers and the Elasto Painters clash in a lone game at 7 p.m. with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals against the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.

Meanwhile, the PBA will be giving free tickets for tonight’s match through its “Barkada Mo Sagot Ko” special promo. The limited offer entitles a group of three for every purchase of one ticket at the gallery section and two seats for a purchase of one ticket at lower level.

Expect a down-to-the-wire battle between Coca Cola and Rain or Shine with both teams hoping to stay in contention in the all-Filipino tourney.

“We will definitely fight for the win. We’ve gone this far enough to deserve a quarterfinals seat. Rain or Shine is a tough opponent but we are prepared for them,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

“This is our only chance to make the quarters. We’ll give it our best shot,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

While it will be a question of execution, the two coaches believe a key factor is which team gets to impose its game.

The Tigers thrive on a deliberate half-court game with their plays revolving around big men Taulava and Espino while the Elasto Painters draw energy on the run-and-gun games of guards Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood.

JayR Reyes and Mark Telan will have tough job cut out for them against Taulava and Espino.

Gary David and Chris Ross, meanwhile, are the two players likely to be paired with Mercado and Norwood.

“I’m excited to battle with Mercado and Norwood. It’s a tough assignment but I’ll be ready,” said David, after an explosive performance leading Coke past his former team Burger King Wednesday.

Coca-Cola is the slight pick, having a better showing in the elimination round capped by a three-game romp on the return of Taulava from a foot injury.

The two teams split their elims games with Rain or Shine winning their first encounter, 92-84, while Taulava was out in sickbay.