B-Meg eyes solo lead; Alaska fights for life

MANILA, Philippines - B-Meg, in chase of a second straight crown after its Commissioner’s Cup title conquest, tries to fan its drive as it goes for win No. 5 against slumping Alaska Milk in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Barako Bull, meanwhile, attempts to go above the .500 mark as it goes for a second consecutive win with import Leroy Hickerson against Air21 in the day’s other game.

The Energy and the Express clash at 5:15 p.m. then the Llamados and the Aces collide at 7:30 p.m. Both are crucial matches with Air21 (1-3) and Alaska (1-4) now virtually fighting to stay alive.

If ever, B-Meg coach Tim Cone could eliminate his former team with a victory as the Llamados are also gunning for a win and the solo lead.

“There’s an instant rivalry developed with Alaska once I left and joined B-Meg, so that always makes our games with them big,” said Cone.

“Add on that we’re still scrambling to stay with the leaders, it makes it that much bigger,” Cone added.

B-Meg finished with a flurry, negating Zach Graham’s tournament-best 39-point explosion as the Llamados ripped the Air21 Express, 91-78, in Digos, Davao del Sur Saturday to close in on the semifinal round.

Marqus Blakely produced only 21 points but drew more than enough support from his local teammates as B-Meg notched its fourth straight win after a losing conference debut versus co-leader Rain or Shine. 

In the last Commissioner’s Cup featuring the same format, five victories were enough for a spot in the next round.

But it’s a “carry-over competition” and thus each team needs to win as many games possible. The best team after the semis secures the first finals spot. Any team that can win four of five games in the semis, regardless of its carry-over card, gains an automatic playoff crack at the second finals berth.

Apprehensive of their situation, the Barako Bull Energy opted to bring back Hickerson.

The long-time Mexican league star bucked fatigue in his comeback Friday night and the Energy checked a two-game skid, topping the Petron Blaze Boosters, 111-107.

Pacing himself well, Hickerson played a solid 38-minute game, doing much damage on Petron in the final half.

The former Cumberland U stalwart is up for an acid test versus the high-scoring Air21 import tonight.

Graham poured in at least 31 points in each their first four outings. Poor local support, however, has kept Air21 in the doldrums.