Kenneth Duremdes still feels the itch to play, but following Coca-Cola’s victory over Rain or Shine last night, he looks comfortable with his new role in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.

Showing their old deadly form, the Tigers snapped a two-game skid as they downed the Elasto Painters, 112-96, giving Duremdes, calling the shots on an interim basis, a new thrill at the Araneta Coliseum.

Paul Asi Taulava led a balanced attack as he scored 30 points on top of seven rebounds and one assist as the Tigers improved their card to two wins against four losses, and 1-1 under the 1998 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Duremdes.

Given just a day to prepare the team, Duremdes and company suffered a heartbreaking 82-83 loss to Sta. Lucia last Wednesday.

The Tigers’ victory took the luster out of the 92-81 decision scored by Purefoods over Barangay Ginebra in the second game.

The Giants’ second win in six games, however, failed to lift Purefoods in the standings as it remained tied with the Tigers at the cellar of the 10-team league.

The Gin Kings absorbed their third loss in five games and were pushed down to a share of sixth spot with Red Bull and Air21.

The Bulls secured their second win last Saturday with a 114-113 squeaker over San Miguel Beer Saturday night at the Arturo S. Lugod Gym in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

If he could have his way, Duremdes said he still still wants to play for another year or two – with Coke, of course.

“Mas masarap pa din ’yung nagla-laro,” Duremdes, whose contract with Coke expires on Dec. 31, said.

He was appointed interim coach when Binky Favis decided to go on leave.

The decision of Favis to go on leave actually was with management consent after he had a disagreement with several players.

“I’m not officially retired (as a player). Feeling ko player pa din ako e,” Duremdes said. “Kung maganda ’yung performance ng team, mas mapa-pabor siguro (for me to stay as coach). Decision ng management na ’yan.

“Hopefully, ganun pa din ang ibibigay ng players, intensity and passion nila in our next games,” the 34-year-old Duremdes, a member of the 25 Greatest PBA Players, added.

Duremdes credited his players, particularly Taulava, the 2003 league MVP, for the win.

Though it was only last Saturday that Taulava practiced for the team after recuperating from a strained right calf, he was simply too hot to stop.

“Our plays were mostly set up. We run our plays through Asi a lot and shooters spread out,” he said.

Five other players scored in double figures for Coke as Alex Cabagnot contributed 19 points with eight assists and five steals, while John Arigo added 17. Mark Macapagal and Mark Telan had 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Protecting a one-point lead, 80-79, Cabagnot ignited a telling 28-6 blast capped by Taulava’s two free throws that gave them a comfortable 108-85 advantage with 2:42 left in the game.

First Game

COCA-COLA 112 — Taulava 30, Cabagnot 19, Arigo 17, Macapagal 15, Telan 14, Belasco 8, Buenafe 3, Rizada 2, Baguion 2, Calimag 2, Dimaunahan 0, Misolas 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 96 — Reyes 17, Salangsang 15, Norwood 12, Wainwright 10, Mercado 9, Arana 9, Laure 8, Isip 6, Tang 5, Ibanes 3, Lopez 2, Dulay 0.

Quarters: 22-26, 53-50, 78-76, 112-96.

Second Game

Purefoods 92 — Simon 19, Raymundo 16, Aban 15, Yap J. 12, Lanete 8, Robinson 8, Villanueva 7, Fernandez 3, Belga 2, Salvador 2, Bugia 0.

Ginebra 81 — Salvacion 17, Wilson 15, Helterbrand 14, Tubid 11, Cabatu 9, Menk 7, Artadi 4, Pacana 2, Crisano 2, Escalona 0, Holper 0.

Quarters: 22-16, 47-40, 66-59, 92-81.