THREE of the hottest teams in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup plunge back into action with a tie for first place at stake.
Currently the league’s hottest team with a three-game winning streak, much-improved GlobalPort (3-1) and steady Alaska (3-1) go at it with a piece of the tournament lead on the line in their 4:15 p.m. clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.
Then, Talk ‘N Text (3-1), another team gaining steam with a two-game winning run, aims on achieving the same result when it figures in a sibling rivalry with slipping NLEX (2-2) at 7 p.m.
At the moment, the Batang Pier, the Aces, the Tropang Texters and Rain or Shine are in a four-way tie for second place, behind league-leading San Miguel Beer (4-1).
Since GlobalPort and Alaska will battle and Talk ‘N Text has a game of its own, two of those three teams will tie the Beermen at the top by the end of the night.
Following its opening-game loss, the Batang Pier, who many consider as a stronger team this season, suddenly racked up three wins in a row to move up the ladder and show everyone that it is definitely a force to reckon with.
In its last game, GlobalPort played the role of giant-killer when it downed erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine, 113-111, courtesy of the heroics of rising star Stanley Pringle as he drained the last-second, game-winning lay-up to lift the Batang Pier.
Due to their impressive start and drastic improvement, GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio admitted that the team’s confidence is at an all-time high and this might play a big part in the Batang Pier’s quest against the veteran and talented Aces.
“That win over Rain or Shine was a good boost to the team. Mataas ang morale ng buong team,’’ said Jarencio. “Our desire to win is there and maraming nagko-contribute. We’re playing hard para maganda ang puwesto sa standings.’’
The deadly and prolific backcourt tandem of Pringle and Terrence Romeo continued to thrive as they are leading GlobalPort’s rise. The two spitfires combined for 52 points, 27 for Pringle and 25 for Romeo, against the Elasto Painters.
As for the erstwhile leader Aces, they lost their last game against Ginebra, 92-93, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates more than a week ago after a rousing 3-0 jumpstart.
Alaska now attempts to get back to its winning ways as it braces ahead for an acid test against GlobalPort.
Another streaking team is Talk ‘N Text. The Tropang Texters have now won two straight after a 1-1 start.
The last time out, Talk ‘N Text gutted out a 91-86 victory over Star in Lucena City last Saturday to earn a piece of second place.
While the Tropang Texters are gaining their fine form, the Road Warriors are currently in the midst of a skid after a great start.
Initially starting the conference at 2-0, NLEX suddenly dropped its last two assignments with the last one being a 93-85 upset setback at the hands of Mahindra last Friday.
The immediate goal of the Road Warriors is to snap this skid and keep their place in the upper half of the ladder.
Games Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – GlobalPort vs. Alaska
7 p.m. – NLEX vs. Talk ‘N Text
