Sta. Lucia's Negrense coach Boyet Fernandez doesn't care if he sounds like a broken record, stressing defense will decide the best-of-seven Philippine Cup finals series between the Realtors and the Purefoods Giants.

He also doesn't mind if a victory in the 7:30 p.m. Game 1 showdown tonight will spoil his fellow Negrense and Purefoods top gun James Yap's birthday celebrations.

“We need to play good defense against Purefoods. If we cannot stop James ( Yap ) and Kerby (Raymundo), we can at least limit their production,” Fernandez told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview.

The rookie coach from Valladolid town, Negros Occidental believes Game 1 is crucial in setting the tone for the series, where his team is gunning for a first All-Filipino title.

“My team has come this far and it will continue to fight until the end,” the Valladolid-born Fernandez, who has metamorphosed from a hard-nosed, sweet-shooting playmaker into a fast-thinking, never-say-die coach. “We will hound them (Purefoods) every time they have the ball and run at every opportunity”.

But getting past Purefoods is easier said than done.

For one, Yap has been making mincemeat of the defenses thrown at him especially in Games 5 and 7 of the semifinals against Red Bull. He played despite a nagging knee and groin injury.

Yap , the 2005-2006 season MVP, is also expected to play inspired ball on the day of his birthday.*CPT

back to top

Sta. Lucia, Purefoods begin title series tonight
Hosts getting ready for PAL interclub
Sharp, Condura on top