Cobra, Pharex dispute lead

MANILA, Philippines - Cobra Energy Drink and Pharex B Complex clash in a duel of early winners while Excelroof guns for a share of the lead in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup eliminations at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The fancied Ironmen leaned on Paul Lee’s final quarter explosion as they turned back the AddMix Transformers, 81-77, last Thursday while Pharex B debuted with an emphatic 82-62 rout of AgriNurture (Ani-FCA).

But Cobra remains the odds-on favorites in their 2 p.m. encounter with Lee expected to lead the Ironmen’s bid for a second straight victory over the UP Fighting Maroons-backed Pharex B.

Excelroof, bannered by the reigning NCAA men’s basketball champion San Sebastian, also goes for a 2-0 card against Ani-FCA at 4 p.m.   

Meanwhile, the Excelroof 25ers seek a big follow-up to its surprising 82-73 victory over pre-tournament favorite Ascof-Lagundi in the opener.

Jimbo Aquino, last year’s NCAA Finals MVP, topscored with 17 points for the 25ers and is tipped to lead the way again for the 25ers.

Lee, the first ever rookie to be named Best Player of the Conference last year, poured in 18 of his 25 points in the final quarter to power Cobra from the come-from-behind victory.   

The UE star guard also had eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and four triples, the last virtually clinching the win for the Ironmen, 78-73, in the final 44 seconds.   

Against Pharex B, Lee is expected to shoot it out with former UAAP Rookie of the Year Woody Co and long-range bomber Martin Reyes.   

Co scored 13 points in their victory over Ani-FCA.