PBL: Oracle downs Cobra in series opener

MANILA, Philippines – Benedict Fernandez was right on-target while Rico Maierhofer and Jerwin Gaco imposed their will inside the paint as Oracle Residences coasted to an easy 83-70 win over Cobra Energy Drink Thursday at the San Juan Gym. Oracle won the opener of their 2009 PBL PG Flex Unity Cup best-of-five semifinals series to move one win away of continuing the tradition of sister team Harbor Centre. Clearly missing was the Energy Warriors’ brilliance they showed in completing a two-game sweep of Magnolia Purewater in their quarterfinal series. Maierhofer and Gaco were unstoppable inside the paint finishing in double figures in points and rebounds. Maierhofer scored 17 and grabbed 10 rebounds while Gaco cam off the bench to collect 16 and 11 in 26 minutes of action on the floor. Fernandez’ outside sniping made life easier for Maierhofer and Gaco inside the paint forcing the Energy Warriors to extend their defense. Fernandez scored 12 of his game-high 18 points in the fourth period to keep the Cobra at bay. John Wilson added 11 markers. Pari Llagas and Patrick Cabahug had 12 points each for the Energy Warriors while Val Acuña tallied 10 markers. – GMANews.TV Games Saturday (San Juan Gym) 2:00 p.m. Pharex vs Licealiz 4:00 p.m. Cobra vs Oracle