Top two-seeking Alaska clashes with streaking Ginebra; San Mig Coffee faces Air 21

Alaska shoots for a spot in the top two with a win against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the main game of the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces and the streaking Kings face off at 7:30 p.m. while defending champion San Mig Coffee and Air 21 meet in the opener at 5:15 p.m.

With a league-leading 9-3 win-loss slate, Alaska needs one more win to secure the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal stage.

But the Aces have to hurdle the challenge of rampaging Ginebra, which enters the game carrying a six-game winning streak.

“At this point we are really not assured of top two. We need to win to secure that top spot,” said Aces coach Luigi Trillo.

“It just gets harder for us in this game with Ginebra on a six-game win streak. We have to play through our injuries with Sonny (Thoss), Cyrus (Baguio) and JV (Casio) just 60-80 percent,” he added.

Both teams are coming-off hard-earned wins with the Aces coming from behind to outlast Rain or Shine, 89-83, while the Kings surviving the late run of Meralco, 91-90, to improve their mark to 7-5 and secure a quarterfinals berth.

In the opener, the Mixers (6-6) also try to pocket a spot in the next round with a victory against the Express (5-7).

“We’re fighting for the top six,” said San Mig Coffee mentor Tim Cone, hoping to land a spot in the best-of-three series.

Air 21 on the other hand needs to strengthen its hold of the No. 8 position with Barako Bull (4-8) threatening to steal the last quarterfinal seat following the acquisition of NBA veteran DJ Mbenga.

“We need to take care of our destiny,” said Express head coach Franz Pumaren.

SOURCE: Interaksyon

go for the 7th straight WINS ......................