MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk and Sta. Lucia Realty, two teams on a hot start in the season, clash at resumption of the 2009-2010 KFC PBA Philippine Cup today with the Aces eyeing its fifth straight win and the Realtors seeking a share of the lead at the Araneta Coliseum.
San Miguel and Rain or Shine mix it up in the other contest with the Beermen hoping to sustain the momentum of their back-to-back victories before taking a brief break in observance of the All Saints’ Day against a team reeling from four straight defeats.
The Beermen seek a third straight win against a Rain or Shine squad which remains the only winless team in the field three weeks into the 35th PBA season.
Hounded by misfortunes on the court, Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia also suffered a stroke of bad luck on the street Monday night as he accidentally rammed his Toyota Rav 4 to a concrete barrier along Meralco ave. He was spared of any injury.
Coaches Tim Cone and Boyet Fernandez said their teams worked hard during the respite and both expect a slambang duel in their 7:30 p.m. match.
The Aces are determined to keep their unblemished slate while the Realtors are out to stop the Alaska charge, looking to tie at 4-1.
The two teams’ impressive starts in the tourney are hardly surprising with Alaska being the first runner-up and Sta. Lucia second runner-up in the 2008-09 Philippine Cup topped by Talk n Text.
Alaska returned with an intact lineup while Sta. Lucia showed up with good recruits filling the spots left by Dennis Espino, Paolo Mendoza, Denok Miranda and Norman Gonzales.
Undrafted Fil-Am rookie Josh Urbiztondo showed what he can do Friday, scattering 24 points as Sta. Lucia whipped Burger King, 101-93.
Meanwhile, Chris Pacana, a transferee from Ginebra, has been steady through four games.
PBA coaches, however, point to Ryan Reyes and Kelly Williams as the players making the big difference for the team.
The two are likely to face an acid test taking on Willie Miller, Sonny Thoss, Joe Devance and company.
The Aces have been impressive in their first four outings, beating their opponents by an average of 14.25 points.
“We have to be ready against Alaska. That game is cut out for us. They’re our first biggest test in the tourney,” said Fernandez