Games Friday (MOA Arena)
4:15 p.m. – Alaska vs Blackwater
7 p.m. – Globalport vs Star
MANILA, Philippines – Alaska Milk and Star ride the momentum of big wins over elite rivals the last time out as they battle Blackwater and Globalport, respectively, Friday night in the pre-Halloween presentation of the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Aces and the Hotshots are pumped up and determined to get going following dominant victories over the Talk n Text Tropang Texters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Alaska clobbered TNT, 114-98, while Star mauled Ginebra, 86-78, in what were expected to be close, fierce matches.
The Aces seek a second straight win and a share of the lead with the ROS Elasto Painters, the NLEX Road Warriors and the San Miguel Beermen as they play the Elite at 4:15 p.m.
The Hotshots, meanwhile, try to improve to 2-1 as they battle the Batang Pier in the other game at 7:15 p.m.
James Yap and his teammates are the odds-on picks versus the Batang Pier although crippled minus Rafi Reavis and Allein Maliksi.
Reavis dislocated his left index finger in their game against the Gin Kings. He will be out for eight to 10 weeks.
Maliksi, meanwhile, is serving a disciplinary measure dealt him by the Star coach for his rants on social media.
“He was suspended by coach Jason (Webb),” said team official Rene Pardo.
“He has realized his mistake, and he’s become a better person. But he’s still sanctioned to be an example to the other players,” Pardo also said.
On his posts on Instagram and Twitter, Maliksi hinted he’s not happy with his playing time.
Pardo said they will not let the incident be a distraction, hopeful the team will be able to score a follow-up on their dominant win over the Gin Kings.
The Batang Pier, on the other hand, will be out to bounce back from an 86-97 loss to the Beermen in Davao City Sunday.
“We’re facing a team that has two of the more explosive guards in the league. We have to make sure we contain them if we want to be successful,” said Webb, wary of Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo.
The Hotshots intend to put premium on defense especially as they have lost two key personnel.