MANILA, Philippines - The Powerade Tigers, the lone remaining winless team with a 0-2 start, hope to finally get going as they tangle with the Alaska Milk Aces in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
The Tigers show up with new import Omar Shriff Sneed in their 5:15 p.m. match with the Aces, hoping the new import could fuel a turnaround for the team.
“It’s tough with two straight losses and trying to integrate a new import. However, the last thing in our minds right now is to make excuses. We have to dig deep within ourselves to find a way to win,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.
The Aces themselves intend to go hard in a bid to notch their first successive wins under coach Luigi Trillo.
Alaska scored its first victory under its new bench chieftain Sunday, clobbering Barako Bull, 104-84.
Trillo, however, sees Powerade as a tough assignment.
“They have a lot of talent over there. They have young good talents in Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Jayvee Casio, shooters in Gary David, Lordy Tugade and Josh Vanlandingham and bangers in Sean Anthony, Jondan Salvador, Ricky Calimag and Romel Adducul plus Sneed who I heard is a hardworking import,” said Trillo.
“They have not figured it out yet but when they do, they have a balanced, hardworking team,” Trillo added.
Commissioner’s Cup champion B-Meg also goes for a second straight win while Barako Bull seeks to bounce back from a loss as they mix it up in the day’s other game at 7:30 p.m.
Alaska, B-Meg and Barako are tied with Barangay Ginebra and Meralco at 1-1 as they set out for today’s games.
Rain or Shine is the early solo leader at 3-0 while Powerade is alone in the cellar.
The Llamados and the Energy express much concern against each other.
“There’s always trepidation when you play a team like Barako. They are an experienced bunch with good talent, and are well coached. When they put it together, they are an extremely tough to beat,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone.
“James Yap and PJ Simon must be defended well. We also have to deal with Yancy de Ocampo who’s been doing something great,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi.
“Our import (Jamine Peterson) must learn how to play here. And we must regroup and face head on one of the strongest teams in the PBA now,” Baculi also said.