Dragons rip Pals; Kings vs Beermen

The Welcoat Dragons scored their biggest upset in pro play as they stunned the Talk n Text Phone Pals, 79-72, in a road game at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Junjun Cabatu, Nino Gelig and Jojo Tangkay hit clutch baskets and the Dragons overcame a 46-53 deficit at the start of the fourth period in notching their third win in nine starts.

Talk n Text remained on a slump, suffering a fifth defeat in its last six outings.

Meanwhile, streaking San Miguel seeks to extend its run to six as it renews its rivalry with crowd favorite and sister team Barangay Ginebra at resumption of action in the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup classification round at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Drawing 28 points from Danny Seigle, the Beermen walloped the Coca-Cola Tigers, 119-103, late Wednesday to join the Gin Kings in third place with 5-3 (win-loss) records.

Another victory in its 7:20 p.m. match will not only stretch San Miguel Beer’s streak to six but also push the Beermen closer to joint leaders Sta. Lucia Realty and Red Bull.

But coach Chot Reyes remains wary of the well-rested Kings, who are also out to avenge their 97-101 loss to the Beermen last Oct. 22 at the Astrodome.

"They’re going to throw hammer and thongs at us, we got to be ready with our shield and ear muffs," said Reyes.

Ginebra is coming off an 84-88 defeat to Purefoods last Sunday.

"We expect them to be well-prepared and well-rested and they’re also coming from a loss, that’s extra motivation for them," said Reyes.

"We’ll be having a light workout and maybe rest for a while, because you can’t beat Ginebra if you don’t have the energy," he added.

Sta. Lucia, meanwhile, tries to regain its winning ways as it takes on Alaska in the 4:35 p.m. opener.

Enjoying one of their finest starts in years, the Realtors found themselves towing the field on a sparkling 6-1 (win-loss) mark until the Red Bull Kings stood in the way and dealth them a 92-73 beating to earn a share of the lead.

Sta.Lucia’s Fil-Am Kelly Williams is expected to bounce back after getting shackled the last time out with only eight points.

Alaska is languishing in the cellar with newcomer Welcoat with 2-6 records but the Aces are hoping to ride on the momentum of their 122-100 victory over the Air21 Express last week that snapped a five-game skid.