Surging Ginebra takes on slumping Alaska; Petron battles GlobalPort

Petron Blaze eyes its second straight win against a lowly opponent while Alaska tries to get back on track as the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup resumes on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Boosters battle tail-ender GlobalPort at 4:15 p.m. while the struggling Aces hope to put an end to a three-game losing streak when they take on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in a 6:30 p.m. encounter.

Petron ended its own slump with a 96-86 win over Rain or Shine and coach Olsen Racela hopes it will lead to a winning streak.

“I hope it’s a start because this will gonna be a crucial stretch for us. Kailangan naming ma-sustain ito,” said Racela, whose team is holding a 4-6 win-loss mark.

They are up against a 1-8 Batang Pier who are in danger of becoming the first team to be booted out of the season-opening conference.

GlobalPort needs to sweep its last five games to have a shot for a spot in the next round.

In the main game, Alaska seeks to put an end to its three-game losing streak against the Kings, who have won two games in a row after dropping five straight.

“Every game is crucial for all teams at this point. It really helps that we won early so we are still in the middle of the standings despite tough losses,” said Aces head coach Luigi Trillo whose team is coming off a 104-103 loss to Air 21.

“Hopefully we get back on track. Ginebra looks like a potent team again.”

Alaska prevailed in their first meeting, 87-69, last October 28 and Gin Kings coach Siot Tanquingcen hopes they can avenge that defeat.

“Though struggling, Alaska is a very tough team to play. They’re 2 to 3 deep in each position,” said Tanquingcen. “We have to take care of the ball better. Last time we played them, we gave up 25 turnover points to them.”

Ginebra is holding a 4-5 win-loss mark.

SOURCE: Interaksyon