RoS, Barako Bull clash in Dubai opener

DUBAI – Filipino basketball fans based here are in for a special treat as three PBA teams try to pick up their game and gather momentum in the two-game Dubai swing of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup set Thursday and Friday at the Al-Shabab Sports Club here.

The Barangay Ginebra Kings, the Barako Bull Energy, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the rest of the huge 95-man PBA delegation arrived in this Middle East business hub at 8 a.m. Wednesday after a 12-hour trip from Manila via Abu Dhabi.

The Kings, the Energy and the Elasto Painters are all raring to buckle down to work and gain a win that can ignite their faltering start in the short mid-season tourney.

Rain or Shine and Barako Bull clash in Thursday’s game the two teams consider a virtual knockout duel.

“It’s already desperation period for us. We’re on the verge of being on a panic mode,” said coach Yeng Guiao whose RoS team lost its first two games in the tourney.

“This Dubai trip is important for us. We’re down to six steps to the playoffs. One misstep and we may be out,” said coach Junel Baculi, whose Barako team is off to a 1-2 start.

Of the three teams here, the Kings have more breathing space at 1-1.

“They enjoy some advantage since they will have a one-day rest. They have the time to acclimatize and watch us,” said Guiao.

As the team playing both games, Guiao, however, said they love the challenge.

“It’s a privilege. We love to play before our kababayans who long for PBA action. We’re playing two games, and so we’re leaving more marks,” said Guiao.

“It’s also a privilege for us to go out of the country and play in front of our kababayans. Hopefully, we could come home with a win to make this trip extra special,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Friday’s game is set at 7 p.m. in the same venue.

The three ball clubs are all coming from stinging losses in Manila.