With a half-a-game lead over Talk ‘N Text, Red Bull tries to solidify its hold of the lead when it battles Coca-Cola in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup today at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The Bulls and Tigers clash at 4:50 p.m., while Welcoat Paints meets Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia Realty at 7:20 p.m.

The 3-7 Dragons, led by imports Marquis Gainous and Corey Santee, are expected to come out fast and strong after badly losing their last two games.

The Dragons were bamboozled by the Bulls, 109-88, last May 14, but they were even worse in their game against the Kings of Barangay Ginebra as they absorbed a crushing 70-105 loss last Sunday.

But to get back on the winning track won’t be easy for the Welcoat Dragons.

Just like the Dragons, the Realtors are also determined to rebound from a recent 80-90 defeat to the Phone Pals in Cagayan de Oro City. The Realtors have a 5-4 win-loss card.

“This will be crucial for us. We need to win in order for us to be in step with the leaders,” SLR mentor Boyet Fernandez said, whose team downed Welcoat, 111-97, in their first meeting last May 4.

“We’re playing (Philippine Cup nemesis) Purefoods on Sunday, so we do need to come out strong against Welcoat. As I’ve said before, Welcoat’s a new team with a new system but they’re no pushover.”

Fernandez will rely on 6-foot-11 import Wesley Wilson, as well as Best Player of the Conference (Philippine Cup) winner Kelly Williams, rookie playmaker Ryan Reyes, Nelbert Omolon and Dennis Espino.

As for Welcoat, aside from Gainous and Santee, both Texas Christian University (TCU) products, interim coach Caloy Garcia can also count on rookie Joe de Vance and sophomores Mark Isip and Jay-R Reyes.

But the limelight is expected to fall on the Bulls-Tigers encounter.

Guiao sees another close and dramatic encounter with the Tigers.

“Coke is more prepared for us this time than when we first played them,” Guiao said, referring to his team’s 82-75 win last April 30 where guard Cyrus Baguio dropped 25 points while 7-foot import Adam Parada had 11 and 10 rebounds.

“Developments are becoming more interesting. It also shows the parity of the league. We cannot predict anything at this point. Coke’s game will give us a little breathing room if we win.”

Purefoods TJ Hotdogs defeated Talk ‘N Text, 84-79, the other day that gave the Bulls the solo lead. The Pals slipped to 7-4.

Red Bull hopes to rebound from a 90-101 defeat to defending champion Alaska last Sunday.

Though backstopped by two imports – 6-foot-10 Jason Dixon and 6-footer Gee Gervin, the Tigers have dropped thier last two games — first against Alaska, 91-99, last May 14, and to Air21, 86-104, last Friday.

For Coke to win, Asi Taulava, Nic Belasco, Mark Telan and rookie Ronjay Buenafe have to produce in double figures.