GETTING into some complications, like say going into a do-or-die game, is the last thing Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao would want to happen.

So expect the Barakos to deal with the Coca-Cola Tigers as if they are fighting for their lives when the two teams clash tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 4:35 p.m. encounter is the last game for both clubs in the elimination round of the Talk ’N Text-Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference, with the first-placed Barakos hard-pressed to go all out for victory.

Understandably, the Tigers are just as determined in an effort to gain back their confidence in the wake of their disappointing loss against the Welcoat Dragons last Friday, and build some momentum going into the next round.

As proof, Coca-Cola brought in Rashad Bell to replace Jeff Varem, who moved to the reserve list due to an injury. Bell, who measured 6-foot-5 and 3/4, is the third import for the Tigers this conference.

Whatever the result wouldn’t make any difference for the Tigers (7-10), who are confined to the wild card phase win or lose.

In contrast, the Barakos are compelled to win their fourth straight to finish the eliminations with a 13-5 record that will secure their spot in the semifinals.

A loss may complicate things for Red Bull because of possible ties that will necessitate a playoff to determine the two outright semifinalists.

Obviously, Guiao wouldn’t want to risk his team’s chances. Perhaps, that’s why the fiery coach has not included the new recruit Rommel Adducul in his rotation for tonight’s game.

Red Bull team manager Tony Chua and SMC basketball operations director Robert Non made the trade rumor involving Red Bull star center Rico Villanueva and Adducul, a reserve slotman at San Miguel, official Monday.

But while Guiao has no intention to suit up Adducul so as not to mess with his team’s chemistry, San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen is likely to capitalize on Villanueva as the Beermen try to stretch the season’s longest-winning streak to nine games.

San Miguel battles Air21 at 7:20 p.m. in a game very crucial to both teams, which are tied at fifth and sixth spots with a 9-7 (win-loss) marks.

Undoubtedly, the Beermen’s confidence level is very high at this point and that should serve them well in their bid to get out of the wild-card list and earn a free ride into the quarterfinals.

That isn’t the case with Air21, which has lost its last three games.

The Express have blown a couple of golden opportunities to earn a free ride to the semifinals and are now in danger of being relegated to the wild-card phase with another defeat.

Much To Do

An hour of reckoning loomed over San Miguel-Pilipinas even as it celebrated with quiet restraint its moment of triumph in the seventh Southeast Asian Basketball (Seaba) Men’s Championship in Ratchaburi, a rustic town 100 km west of the capital.

Henkel into semis; Burger King in do-or-die

HENKEL Sista found an unlikely hero in Fritz Bauzon as the Super Sealers downed San Miguel-Magnolia, 70-59, to march into the semifinals of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) Unity Cup yesterday at the Olivarez Sports Centre in Parañaque.

HE’S a warrior inside the ring. But is Manny Pacquiao brave enough to crack the whip on shady sycophants?

THE trade of two prized big men will involve a third by the end of the week.

GETTING into some complications, like say going into a do-or-die game, is the last thing Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao would want to happen.

PART two of building your team is actually about recruiting, and saying such, it is important to exactly know what you are looking for. Although we have seen several types of team offenses evolve throughout the years, the concept of basketball positions basically remain the same.