With head coach Eric Altamirano watching from the sidelines as part of the Asian Games-bound the national team, the Hotdogs have played beyond expectations, winning five of their first six games under Gregorio, the youthful UP Maroons mentor.
Purefoods opened up its campaign with three straight victories over Talk N Text (98-89), Ginebra (60-58) and Alaska (79-74) then bowed to Coca-Cola (89-69) before rattling off two more victories over RP Selecta (89-72) and San Miguel (72-70).
Another victory would give Purefoods a 6-1 record and the solo lead. More importantly, the Hotdogs will secure a slot in the quarterfinals to be composed of eight squads with the top four being rewarded a twice-to-beat privilege.
Red Bull, last year’s Commissioner’s Cup champion, is currently tied with Purefoods, being followed by Talk N Text, Coca-Cola, RP Hapee, Alaska and FedEx. In danger of missing the quarterfinals are reigning champion Sta. Lucia, San Miguel, RP Selecta, Ginebra and Shell.
Shell, which last won a title during the 1999 All-Filipino, is playing the unfamiliar role of a tailender, losing five of its first six games in the company of Ginebra.
Shell’s only victory so far this season came against Coca-Cola (90-82) last Feb. 17. The Turbo Chargers lost their first game to Red Bull (94-81) and their last four to FedEx (70-74), Ginebra (80-72), Miguel (76-72) and RP Hapee (82-69).