Purefoods stakes its three-game winning streak on the line when it takes on a skidding Barako Bull squad in the opener of a scheduled double-header in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup today at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Giants of coach Ryan Gregorio are hoping to repeat their masterful 92-77 conquest of the Energy Boosters on Oct. 22 and break out of a three-way tie with Talk ‘N Text and Ginebra from third to fifth spots with the three teams holding similar 7-4 cards.
The Boosters are currently on a slump, losing seven straight and have not won since an 89-81 trouncing of Rain on Shine on Oct. 28.
After splitting their first eight games, the Giants finally found their rhythm despite missing the services of team captain Kerby Raymundo due to an injury.
Gregorio’s frontline has turned into one of the league’s formidable unit joining hands with his top guns in playing defense that caused Purefoods’ remarkable turnaround.
"Basketball is not just about putting the ball in the hoop," said Gregorio. "Every player must learn how to defend and that’s what we’re seeing right now on James Yap and PJ Simon."
Even without Raymundo, the Giants’ frontline – led by Raffi Reavis, Don Allado, rookie Rico Maierhofer, Marc Pingris and enforcers Jondan Salvador and Romel Adducul – have been doing the dirty job for their squad.
But all eyes will be in the 7:30 p.m. main game between the league-leading Alaska Aces and the rampaging Beermen of San Miguel.
Only half-a-game separates both teams with a win moving them closer of clinching an automatic semifinals spot.
Games Wednesday (Dec 9)
(Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. – Barako Bull vs. Purefoods
7:30 p.m. – Alaska vs. San Miguel
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