After getting a free ride to the top, Coca-Cola tries to widen its lead against a pack of pursuers when it goes for a repeat against Welcoat Paints today in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

Though the Tigers beat the Dragons the first time they clashed in this season-ending tournament, 98-96, coach Binky Favis is not taking their opponents lightly when they tangle at 4:50 p.m.

With the race for two outright semis berths getting hotter, the Tigers want to acquire a cushion for possible difficult days ahead.

“It’s a very important game for us,” Favis said.

Favis has already a game plan against the Dragons, as though he needed one because Welcoat is currently enduring a three-game losing run not to mention that it is at the bottom of the standings with a 3-8 mark.

“We need to dictate the tempo and take control early to increase our chances of winning,” said Favis who is giving Welcoat more respect than it deserves.

Coke won its previous game against Red Bull (102-80) where Donald Copeland, who replaced Gee Gervin, the son of George “The Iceman” Gervin, debuted with 14 points, two rebounds, two steals and three assists.

With a 7-4 record, the Tigers grabbed the lead after Air21 handed erstwhile solo leader Red Bull its third straight setback behind a 119-109 win last Wednesday.

The Bulls dropped into a tie for second with the Express and the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals — all with 7-5 cards.

The 6-foot-1 Copeland and 6-foot-11 partner Jason Dixon will be up against Welcoat’s pair of 6-footer Corey Santee and 6-foot-10 Marquis Gainous.

Providing help for the Tigers are local mainstays Asi Taulava, Mark Telan, Nic Belasco, Alex Cabagnot and rookie Ronjay Buenafe, while the Dragons will also rely on Joe De Vance, Jay-R Reyes and Mark Isip.

Defending champion Alaska and Purefoods TJ Hotdogs collide at 7:20 p.m. with both teams hoping to extend their respective winning streaks.

The Aces, who sport a 5-6 slate, are determined to stretch their winning run to four after wins over the Tigers (99-91), Bulls (101-90) and the Phone Pals (110-98) over the last two weeks.