Bolts step up bid for 2nd vs Energy

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco seeks to break out of a two-way tie at fourth with idle B-Meg as it tangles with an unpredictable Barako Bull side tonight even as Alaska and Barangay Ginebra clash in a duel of struggling teams in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts barged into the Magic Four after edging the Powerade Tigers, 98-96, last week for their sixth win against four losses with another victory in their 7:30 p.m. showdown with the Energy putting them closer to the joint second running Rain or Shine and Petron Blaze (7-3).

Talk N’ Text continues to show the way with an 8-1 slate, outlasting Rain or Shine in overtime, 106-104, in Cagayan de Oro last Saturday.

More importantly, a victory will keep Meralco’s bid for one of the top two slots for a twice-to-beat edge against the No. 7 or No. 8 team in the quarters.

“We’re actually taking it a game at a time but if there’s a chance to make it as far as that, it will be a bonus,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

But the Energy are out to frustrate the Bolts and boost their own record to 6-4 heading to the crucial phase of the elims.

In the other game, resurgent Alaska goes for its third straight win and fourth overall against seven defeats as it takes on a Ginebra side reeling from a 76-88 defeat to B-Meg last Sunday.

Gametime is at 5:15 p.m. with the Aces seeking a follow-up to their scrambling 86-80 victory over winless Shopinas.com last Sunday.

“We know that it will always be tough facing Ginebra so we will need to play hard, if not harder, than we did in our last two victories for us to have a chance against them,” said Alaska mentor Joel Banal.

“We also know the importance of this game because we’re hoping to make the playoffs,” he added.

The Kings have fallen below .500 with a 4-5 slate although they remained in the race for the No. 7 spot.