Spark-less Ginebra tries to continue run vs Barako Bull; Talk ‘N Text faces Rain or Shine

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel tries to stretch its winning run to four games against Barako Bull when they clash in Sunday’s opener in the Commissioner’s Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings and the Energy Colas face off at 4:15 p.m. to be followed by the encounter of Philippine Cup finalists Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine in the main tiff at 6:30 p.m.

Ginebra is on a three-game winning run while Barako Bull has dropped its last five games for a 3-6 win-loss mark.

The Gin Kings will be missing the services of Mark Caguioa, who suffered an medial collateral ligament strain on his knee. But Ginebra is nonetheless favored to repeat its 93-72 win against the Energy Cola in their first meeting.

With three straight wins, Ginebra is now at the middle of the team standings with a 4-5 slate.

“Crucial game for us,” said Barako Bull team consultant Rajko Toroman. “We’re playing good in the last three games even though we lost. I hope we can take advantage of that.”

Without Caguioa, coach Alfrancis Chua needs LA Tenorio to be more offensive-minded to ease the scoring burden on import Vernon Macklin.

In the second game, the Elasto Painters (6-3) seek their seventh win against the Tropang Texters (5-4), who are coming off a come-from-behind 93-85 overtime win against Petron Blaze.

“It’s a confidence booster for us,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black on their win against Boosters.

Rain or Shine is also coming off a 93-83 win against Barako Bull to stay on track for one of the top two spots, which come with them twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

SOURCE: Interaksyon

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