GAMES FRIDAY (Araneta Coliseum)
4:50 p.m.—Talk 'N Text vs Welcoat
7:20 p.m. —Air21 vs Red Bull

MANILA, Philippines—After leaving strong impressions in their debut, the imports of Red Bull and Air21 try to sustain their excellent form when the two squads dispute the solo lead in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Adam Parada led the Barako past the Ginebra Gin Kings with 28 points, 21 rebounds and five blocks on Sunday, while Steve Thomas bailed out the injury-plagued Express by posting solid numbers of 23 points and 15 boards against Welcoat.

Their one-on-one duel is expected to serve as major highlight when Red Bull and Air21 go for a second straight win at 7:20 p.m.

Talk 'N Text similarly drew a good production from Aaron McGhee, but hopes to draw more support from its local crew as the Phone Pals and the Dragons shoot for their first victory in the 4:50 p.m. opener.

Parada, a mainstay of the Mexican national team, made a quick impact as he joined hands with mainstays Cyrus Baguio and Mike Hrabak in leading the Barakos to an 89-83 thumping of the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

"He is not flashy but he is very effective," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao of the league's tallest reinforcement. "He can play the post and has a nice touch from the outside. He's also pretty quick for a seven-footer."

"We will have our hands full defending him (Parada)," acknowledged Air21 mentor Bo Perasol.

But Perasol said he expects a complete roster on Friday and an even better performance from the 6-foot-8 Thomas.

Welcoat, meanwhile, will stick it out with import Jason Keep for one more day, before replacement Marquise Gainous arrives this weekend. Jasmine W. Payo