Games today
Araneta Coliseum
4:15 p.m.- Meralco vs. Rain or Shine
7:00 p.m.- Alaska vs. San Miguel Beer
EXPECT a lot of fireworks when the defending champions San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces figure in a grudge rematch in the main game of today’s 41st PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The two teams figured in an epic duel in last year’s Philippine Cup Finals. The title duel needed seven games to be decided with the Beermen eventually winning the crown.
A lot is at stake in today’s encounter.
Leading the standings with an impressive 9-1 (win-loss), the Beermen are looking to clinch an outright semifinals berth with a win against the Aces.
San Miguel is the hottest team in the league right now as they have won their last seven games.
Alaska is out to solidify its bid of earning an automatic semis seat. The Aces are tied with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at second place with similar 7-2 records.
Alaska saw its four-game win streak come to an end when it lost to Rain or Shine last Friday night, 111-105.
The Elasto Painters try to get a good follow-up of that big win when they take on the eliminated Meralco Bolts in the first game.
“We look forward to playing NLEX and Meralco in our last two games, and hope to get the outright semis. That’s the goal. We can’t lose to any of those teams as our chances are going to be a lot less than what they are right now,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
The Bolts are already out of contention after winning just once in their first 10 games.
Meralco is on a four-game losing streak. The Bolts’ lone victory came last Nov. 21 when they nipped the Star Hotshots, 87-83.