Blaze eyes fifth win in PBA

MANILA—Petron Blaze tries to protect its share of second place when it faces Barako Bull, while Rain or Shine aims to remain at the third spot against Ginebra in the PBA Commissioners Cup elimination round at the Araneta Coliseum today.

The Blaze Boosters, fresh from their 60-53 conquest off Air 21 on Friday, are aiming for their fifth straight victory when they battle Barako Bull at 4:15 p.m. Their lone setback so far was at the hands of Globalport, 94-92 during the opening on Feb. 8.

Despite the continued absence of key players Alex Cabagnot, Chris Lutz and Danny Ildefonso due to injuries, coach Olsen Racela remains confident his wards can pull off the big win over Barako Energy Cola, which is also trying to bounce back after a devastating 93-79 loss to Ginebra last Wednesday.

“We miss Alex (Cabagnot) especially when the game is on the line. Chris Lutz will be back only after three weeks while Alex maybe next week and Danny Ildefonso could be out for five months,” said Racela.

Ginebra, on the other hand, is looking for a follow-up win and to move up in the standings as there are only nine matches remaining in its elimination round assignments. The Kings are currently locked at the bottom of the standing with Air 21 Express with a 1-4 record.

“What I want really is to be in the finals and play in the championship. I am Mark Caguioa but without a championship and if we can’t make it to the finals, it’s nothing at all,” said Caguioa, who averaged 22.6 points a game in the Commissioner’s Cup.