MANILA—After a brief respite due to the observance of the New Year’s celebration, exciting action resumes today as the Red Bull Barakos and the Alaska Aces seek their 10th win when they face separate foes in the 2007 Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both Yeng Guiao of the Barakos and Tim Cone of the Aces expressed confidence in their respective games today after the players took enough rest for at least a week. Both teams also return to action with a lot of hope towards clinching the two automatic semifinal slots.
“We really wanted to stay in the top two because we want to get one of the two semifinal slots,” said Cone, whose Aces last saw action on Christmas day and defeated Red Bull by a huge margin, 100-77.
The Aces, who are clinging to a tie from fourth to fifth along with Magnolia Beverage at 9-7 slate apiece, collide with Talk ‘N Text in the first game at 4:50 p.m.
“We still have a chance but we have to work hard for it,” said head coach Derek Pumaren, whose Phone Pals are not far away with an 8-7 card.
Pumaren’s Phone Pals need to win their last three matches to at least come up with an 11-7, record which is just enough to gain a share of the top spot, assuming the Tender Juicy Giants drop their remaining three assignments.
Share of second
Red Bull, on the other hand, which is carrying a 9-6 card, faces Barangay Ginebra in the main match at 7:20 p.m.
A win by the Barakos will enable them to gain a share of the second spot with idle Sta. Lucia Realty, which is bearing a 10-6 record, just a win away from pacesetter Purefoods.
Purefoods has an 11-4 card.
Talk ‘N Text, however, has been given a slight chance over Alaska because of its 113-106 victory in their first meeting last Oct. 17, while the defending champion Ginebra Kings try to prove their mastery over the Barakos, whom they defeated 102-95 in the first round of the conference on Oct. 19. (FCC)
