GAME TODAY:
(Araneta Coliseum)
6 p.m.—San Miguel vs Air21

San Miguel beefed up before the start of the KFC Philippine Cup, looking for that championship-winning tournament that could hopefully lead to a perfect season.

Air21 made two late deals, looking to follow-up a near-perfect season with a tournament that could approximate, if not surpass, its breakout performance last year.

Tonight, only one goal will stay alive as the Beermen and the Express go for each other’s throats in the final stage of the wildcard phase of the season-opening tournament at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Odds are stacked just about even, never mind if the Beermen enjoy a massive edge in manpower on paper.

“I think we can match up well in the wings,” Air21 coach Bo Perasol said. “It’s their big men we are worried about. But it would be the same, if we can have the same intensity (we had against Purefoods), we can be confident on offense.”

The Express earned this KO opportunity against the Beermen by ripping Purefoods to shreds, 94-82, which came after San Miguel cruised to a 99-89 victory over Asi Taulava and Coca-Cola last Dec. 28.

Cyrus Baguio made his debut for the Express in that game, giving Air21 what could be the most lethal guard combination in the league together with Gary David and national team prospect Arwind Santos.

FRONTLINE ADVANTAGE

Though the Express did lose Ranidel de Ocampo to Talk ‘N Text in easily one of the most celebrated deals of the tournament, Air21 did not lose even a touch of its firepower and instead, is brandishing a new, mean offensive look.

And that is what probably prompted San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen to remark that he felt that he did not really have a choice when asked if he preferred Air21 or Purefoods as a knockout foe.

The winner tonight will advance to face quarterfinalist Barangay Ginebra. Inquirer