OFFENSE versus defense, and a little drama on the side would characterize tonight's main PBA game.

For the first time in eight years, coach Norman Black would be on the other side of the San Miguel Beer fence. Will his familiarity with his former boys be enough to break the impenetrable San Miguel defense?

Interestingly enough, the Beermen are 5-0 over the Cellular Giants last season, and 2-0 in the All Filipino. Actually, they have won their last nine meetings with Mobiline since the 1995 All Filipino Cup.

But things are different now with focus also falling on the coaching battle between Black and SMB's Ron Jacobs.

While the Cellular Giants are looking to duplicate their best six-game start ever of 4-2, the Beermen, giving up an average of just 67.8 points per game, are trying to stay within striking distance of the leaders. They will continue to miss the services of Allan Caidic, Bong Alvarez, Samboy Lim and Dong Polistico.

"We're slowly learning to play together cohesively," remarked Black, whose highest-paid player, Jeffrey Cariaso, is expected to be back in two weeks.

Both teams are coming off lopsided victories. The Beermen limited Formula Shell to a season-low 56 points in Pampanga last Saturday against their 79 while the Cellular Giants outgunned Pop Cola three nights ago, 100-81.

In the opening game at 5:15 p.m., Alaska Milk battles a skidding Formula Shell five.

The protagonists in the 1996 Commissioners Cup finals, Alaska and Shell met 20 times last year with the Milkmen winning 14 of those.

If Shell drops it third straight game tonight, they will be duplicating their three consecutive losses which also happened against Alaska during the semifinal round of the 1996 Governors Cup.

Alaska's last game, a 99-91 decision over Gordon's Gin last Sunday, was sort of a vindication for their humiliating 63-88 setback at the hands of Purefoods Corned Beef on February 28. But coach Tim Cone would want to do away with such kind of motivation.

"We have to have a reason for winning and that is, because we want to continue playing hard. We hope to retain the momentum of our Sunday win," Cone expressed.

Shell, which has never won an All Filipino crown, is having its worst start in this conference under coach Chito Narvasa. Another loss to night would send them in the company of idle Pop which has a 1-4 slate.

Alaska, eyeing the distinction of being the first team in 11 years to defend the All Filipino, will occupy solo second if it beats Shell and Mobiline loses to San Miguel.

Meanwhile, San Miguel's Nelson Asaytono, the tournament's leading scorer with a 30.5 p pg average, is just seven rebounds shy of becoming the 15th player in PBA history to haul down at least 3,000 boards.

Along with Art dela Cruz, Asaytono leads the Beermen in rebounds with 9.5 per game. Dela Cruz averages 8.3 rpg. -ROMINA AUSTRIA

March 05,1997
Mobiline buries troubled Pop Cola deeper in the cellar.

Pumaren's `firing' denied; cagers blamed.

March 04,1997
Gordon's Gin, Sta. Lucia clash in battle of leaders.

Pumaren on his way out?

March 03,1997
Alaska stops Gordon's streak.

Jaworski charms PBA reporters.

Alaska halts Gordon's streak.

March 02,1997
Gordon's Gin tests Alaska mettle today.

March 01,1997
PureFoods rips Alaska Milkmen, 88-63.

Gordon's stays sparkling clear.

New twist in Jacobs-BCAP case.

PBA twinbill in Pampanga.

February 28,1997
Gordon's Gin eyes 3rd straight win.

February 27,1997
PBA, BAP talks slated?

San Mig is the best-coached team in the PBA --Chot Reyes.