Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — Coca-Cola vs San Miguel
7:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Alaska

Defending champion San Miguel Beer and Alaska, two of the four teams hotly contesting the second and last outright semis berth, face separate opponents as the playoff race intensifies in the PBA Fiesta Cup this Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen, with the second-best record of 11-4, battle the Coca-Cola Tigers (6-9) at 5 p.m., while the Aces (9-6) meet the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7-7) at 7:30 p.m.

Apart from SMB and Alaska, also in contention for the second automatic semis bert are Barangay Ginebra (9-7) and reigning Philippine Cup champion B-Meg Derby Ace (10-5).

Talk ’N Text has already claimed the first semis berth, having won its last 13 games for a 14-2 record.

The Beermen, who dropped their last two games, including an 85-82 defeat to TNT last Saturday in Victorias, Negros Occidental, are determined to get back on the winning track to boost their own bid.

Gabe Freeman will be back after missing the game last Saturday due to flu-like symptoms but coach Siot Tanquincen will not depend much on him since he has yet to regain his top form.

Still, Tanquincen remains confident of taking the last outright semis berth, saying: “Hopefully, we have learned from our mistakes. We have to come out strong, execute and play tough defense against a very tough opponent.”

The Tigers are emboldened by their 96-95 win over Ginebra Kings last Sunday – thanks to John Williamson’s all-around effort.

The third import of Coke after James Penny and Rashad Bell, debuted with 24 points and nine rebounds.

In their first meeting this conference, Coca-Cola defeated San Miguel (108-98) last March 27 with Penny then as the Tigers’ reinforcement.