Aces, Barakos shoot for share of 2nd

Red Bull Barako and Alaska Milk play their second match in the San Mig Coffee PBA Fiesta Cup today with both looking for a fourth straight victory to gain a share of second place with idle Purefoods Chunkee.

The All Souls’ Day offering of the Xtreme Magic Sing-backed tourney is set at the Cuneta Astrodome with sister teams Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer clashing in the other game.

The Barakos narrowly beat the Aces in their first match-up and Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao is expecting a tougher grind with Alaska likely to come out strong in a bid to get even.

"That’s a natural tendency. Anytime you come from a loss, you try to get back. We lost a close game but we’ve responded well since that time," said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

"I hope we can come out with a good mindset in playing them again. We have to come out with poise and try to play smart. Red Bull used to be the dark horse but is one of the title favorites now. And I believe they’re for real," Cone added.

The Barakos and the Aces are tied at third place with identical 4-2 win-loss cards and both set out for their rematch enjoying the momentum of a three-game streak.

Meanwhile, the Kings ride the crest of a two-game romp as they go for a fourth win against the Beermen who have snapped out of a slump, overcoming the Air21 Express in double-overtime in Roxas City Saturday.