Petron, Ginebra Face Off Sunday

Petron, Ginebra Face Off Sunday

MANILA, Philippines --- Defending champion Petron and sister team Barangay Ginebra collide in a sumptuous match today in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Blaze Boosters and the Kings meet at 6:30 p.m. with both squads eager to bounce back from stinging losses.

Struggling teams Alaska and Meralco look to escape from the cellar when they lock horns in the first game at 4 p.m.

Despite 23 points apiece from import Eddie Basden and Jay Washington, Petron lost a 12-point halftime lead in a disappointing 111-107 loss to Barako Bull on Friday.

Petron sizzled at the start behind Basden while Washington tried to keep the lead intact, but Barako rallied behind the travel-weary returnee Leroy Hickerson to fall into a tie with Powerade for third place at 3-2.

If the Boosters' loss was disappointing, Ginebra's defeat at the hands of Rain or Shine on Wednesday proved to be crushing.

The Kings, who dropped to 2-2 for a share of fifth with Barako, bowed to the Elasto Painters, 93-90, when rookie Paul Lee drained a killer three with 2.6 seconds remaining.

Import Cedrick Bozeman and Commissioner's Cup Best Player Mark Caguioa will lead Ginebra's quest to enhance its semifinals bid against the Basden, Washington and Alex Cabangnot-led Boosters.

The top five teams after the single-round eliminations will advance in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Alaska and Meralco are locked in a three-way tie with Talk N' Text for eighth to 10th places at 1-3.

The Aces succumbed to Petron, 107-94, last week while the Bolts absorbed an 88-83 loss to Commissioner's Cup champion B-Meg on Wednesday.

Source: Manila Bulletin