Barako shoots for a second straight win on the day San Miguel Beer opens its title defense of the PBA Fiesta Cup.
Fresh from a 97-93 upset of Sta. Lucia in Sunday’s opener at the Araneta Coliseum, the Coffee Energy Masters try to make it two in a row and grab the solo lead in the import-laden tournament as they take on the debuting Coca-Cola Tigers in the 5 p.m. curtain raiser of a weekday twinbill also at the Big Dome.
In the 7:30 p.m. main game, the Beermen, powered anew by last year’s Best Import winner Gabe Freeman, battle the Air21 Express, whose reinvigorated roster has given coach Yeng Guiao the confidence to compete against the league’s powerhouse teams.
"I believe I have the materials to contend against teams like San Miguel, Talk ‘N Text, Alaska, Derby Ace and Ginebra," said Guiao.
The Express, reinforced by new face Keena Young, may have lost Alex Cabagnot, Mark Yee and JR Quinahan to off-season trades but acquired Mike Cortez from San Miguel and Ren-Ren Ritualo from Talk ‘N Text.
If the Express get lucky enough, they may even have Wynne Arboleda back in their line-up.
The stocky guard was suspended without pay for the entire season after attacking a court-side fan in the Philippine Cup, but is now awaiting clearance from the PBA board and league commissioner Sonny Barrios after appealing his case.
Arboleda’s comeback bid already took a big step after the burly playmaker obtained signatures from all the 10 team captains.
Like the Express, the Beermen will also parade new faces in guards Alex Cabagnot and Joseph Yeo, the former La Salle star acquired from Sta. Lucia Realty in exchange for Bonbon Custodio, two marquee players who make the team even more potent.
Meanwhile, Barako Coffee hopes to sustain its opening day win over the Realtors to send a strong message that indeed, the team truly belongs to the league.
"What we want to prove here is that we belong," said Junel Baculi, who is Guiao’s assistant at Burger King in the previous conference. "It’s still a long way."
Import Sammy Monroe poured in 39 points – 17 in the third quarter – and Al Vergara, the undrafted player in 2006, nailed back-to-back clutch jumpers in the homestretch to steer the Energy Coffee Masters to the win over the Realtors and veteran import Anthony Johnson.
Now, Barako will have to contend with James Penny, the team’s former import who guided the franchise to the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference crown against Purefoods, now known as the Derby Ace Llamados.
Penny is an altogether different breed compared to Johnson, yet both are equally effective.
But Penny isn’t the only problem the Harbour Centre-backed Barako Energy Coffee Masters will have to deal with. The Tigers have big men Asi Taulava and Dennis Espino, and have Gary David and Mark Macapagal as legitimate outside threats. – GMANews.TV
Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — Coca-Cola vs Barako Coffee
7:30 p.m. — San Miguel vs Air21
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