Hotshots eye third in row versus Elite

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Globalport

7 p.m. – Blackwater vs Purefoods

MANILA, Philippines - With Daniel Orton nursing an injured hand, Marqus Blakely suits up with Purefoods Star for one more game as the Hotshots shoot for a third straight win against the Blackwater Elite and Marcus Douthit in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Hotshots ride the momentum of back-to-back wins over the Globalport Batang Pier and the Alaska Milk Aces as they tangle with the Elite at 7 p.m., looking for a victory and a share of the lead with the Meralco Bolts at 3-0.

Rain or Shine and Globalport, tied at fifth place after splitting their first two games in the mid-season tourney, part ways in the 4:15 p.m. curtain raiser, in a match pitting imports Rick Jackson and CJ Leslie.

More than holding his own against taller matchups Leslie and DJ Covington, Blakely could face a tougher test versus Douthit.

“For as long as I’m still in there, I will be there to help the team get the start it needs,” said Blakely, Purefoods’ resident import in the season-ending Governors Cup.

“We’re hoping to continue our hot start, but this will be our first test against a team with a big import,” said Purefoods coach Tim Cone.

“Marcus Douthit plays with such veteran smarts. He makes the players around him better. Controlling him will be our big challenge,” Cone added.

For Blackwater, coach Leo Isaac said the main concern is to neutralize Purefoods’ running attack.

“Douthit is in a better condition now compared to last time. We prepared for Purefoods’ fastbreaks. We’ll try to limit that,” said Isaac whose team remains in the hunt for an elusive first win in pro play.

Blackwater has lost all its first 13 games from the Philippine Cup, including two this conference.

In a bid to enhance their chance to stop their skid, the Elite have signed up former ABL player Jeric Canada.

Kia has again moved ahead of fellow PBA newcomer Blackwater on an 88-78 upset of Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer Wednesday night.

Blackwater dropped its first two games in the Commissioner’s Cup, bowing to Barako Bull, 70-92, with an all-Filipino crew then to Talk n Text, 78-88, on Douthit’s maiden appearance with the team.