Games today
Araneta Coliseum
4:15 p.m.- Alaska vs. NLEX
7:00 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Barako Bull
The Alaska Aces and the NLEX Road Warriors target a third straight victory at each other’s expense as they collide in today’s first game of the 41st PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The two teams are both on a two-game winning streak and are coming off close wins.
Last Tuesday, the Aces survived the Star Hotshots, 107-102, while the Road Warriors banked on Sean Anthony’s late free throws to edge out the Meralco Bolts, 93-91.
EYEING LEAD
The Aces are looking to seize the solo leadership in the team standings. They are currently tied with the idle San Miguel Beermen at the number one spot with identical 5-1 (win-loss) records.
NLEX parades a 4-2 record, joining sister-team Talk ‘N Text at fourth to fifth spots.
Asi Taulava, the hard-fighting 42-year-old center, put up big numbers in NLEX’s two-point victory over the Bolts, as he finished with 22 points and 21 rebounds.
“You don’t need to motivate a player like Asi Taulava. He comes earlier than everyone else in practice and he’s the last one to leave,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
Meanwhile, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters look to build their streak when they play the dangerous Barako Bull Energy in the main game.
The Elasto Painters, who scored a 103-81 win over the Blackwater Elite in their last outing, are just half-a-game behind the Beermen and the Aces with four wins and a single loss.
The Energy have an even 3-3 record, dropping their last assignment against the Beermen, 105-106.