Middle-of-pack teams chase leaders

MANILA, Philippines - Four teams trying to get back into the groove and chase the frontrunners slug it out today with Air21 taking on Derby Ace and Alaska squaring off with Powerade in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

 The Express, the Aces and the Tigers, with identical 3-4 win-loss marks, are in the middle of the pack two and a half games behind the pacesetting San Miguel Beermen (6-2) and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (6-2). The Llamados, meanwhile, are tied with the Barako Energy Boosters in the cellar at 2-5.

 Air21 and B-MEG Derby Ace clash at 5 p.m. then Alaska Milk and Powerade collide at 7:30 p.m., each hoping to build momentum nearing the homestretch of the short elimination phase.

The 10 teams are fighting out for the top two which offer a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal round. The last two placers are out of the playoffs picture.

“We need to ride the momentum of our win over Talk n Text the last time. It’s a big game giving us a chance to close in on the pack,” said Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, still hopeful they can make a run especially with Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis set to return in the next few days.