PBA Fiesta Cup: Kings, Tigers parade new players in Sunday encounter

While there is still a small window of opportunity for Barangay Ginebra to bid for an outright berth in the semifinals of the PBA Fiesta Cup, the Kings would rather go the sure way and try to solidify their place in the quarterfinals instead.

On Sunday night, they take on the Coca-Cola Tigers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, looking for the win that will reinforce their claim of at least finishing at the top 3 spot.

“It’s a crucial part of the elims for the quarterfinals and positioning," said Kings coach Jong Uichico.

The league’s crowd darling is currently tied with Alaska at fourth with a 9-6 card. The Gin Kings go into the 6:30 p.m. match bearing a new weapon in Mike Cortez, whom the team acquired in a late Friday night trade with Air21 for Billy Mamaril.

While the acquisition of Cortez, playing for his fourth team after Alaska, San Miguel and Air21, gives Ginebra a surplus of players in the backcourt, Uichico said the former top Draft pick is definitely a good addition for the Kings.

But Coca-Cola is also parading a new import – its third – in John Williamson as the Tigers’ fortunes continue to spiral following a strong start.

After a 3-0 start, Coca-Cola has lost nine of its last 11 games, including a 104-102 setback against Air21 in what turned out to be the last game for import Rashad Bell.

Playing out of University of Cincinnati, the 6-foot-6 Williamson saw action in the Big East tournament in the U.S. and in Poland, averaging a respectable number of 18 points and eight rebounds a game.

He is expected to be tested by Ginebra counterpart Denham Brown, who finally showed his true potential in the Kings’ 107-86 rout of Barako Bull where he exploded for 26 points and 17 rebounds.

Although Ginebra will be without big man Eric Menk (knee injury), what concerns Coca-Cola mentor Bo Perasol the most is how to contain the Kings’ backcourt, especially now with Cortez on board.

“We need to do a good job of matching up with their backcourt men," said Perasol, conscious about the abundance of Ginebra’s backcourt talent that also includes two-time MVP Willie Miller, reigning MVP JayJay Helterbrand, high-scoring Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid and veteran Celino Cruz.

In the first game, Sta. Lucia attempts to snap out of a five-game losing streak as it takes on the Barako Energy Coffee.

The Realtors (4-10) have been stuck at the lower half of the standings, unable to notch a win since trading away key players Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes to Talk ‘N Text.

The Coffee Masters likewise are on the same boat, sporting a tournament worst 2-13 card, but is looking for a big win and make a final push for a berth in the wild card phase.

“Barako is playing well in their last few games. We need to be cautious if we want to stop our skid," said SLR coach Boyet Fernandez.