Energy-Elite tiff also crucial: Top 2 on the line for Aces, Painters

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs Barako Bull

7 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska Milk and Rain or Shine face off in a crucial tussle today with both stepping up their Top Two bid in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Barako Bull and Blackwater, meanwhile, clash in another vital tiff at 4:15 p.m., with the Energy to get into theTop Six bid while the Elite fight for survival.

The Energy are coming off a 105-98 overtime upset of the TNT Tropang Texters and are fancied to improve their record (4-4) in the middle of the chart although they will be without ace guard RR Garcia, who suffered a shoulder dislocation and will be out for at least two games.

The Aces and the Elasto Painters figure in a virtual playoff match at 7 p.m. with the result of their duel having a big bearing in the fight for the Top Two or outright Final Four Entry.

Both teams brace for a furious battle.

“This is our biggest game in the conference. If we beat Alaska, we keep our outright semis chances alive,” said ROS coach Yeng Guiao.

Alaska coach Alex Compton, on the other hand, said: “This game is a great challenge for us.”

The two teams are wary of each other.

“Rain or Shine leads the league in a lot of categories, including points scored, field goal, assists and fastbreak points. You’d never notice that they are missing one of the best point guards in the league in Paul Lee,” said Compton.

“For us to be able to beat them, we have got to play our best defense in the conference. The difficulty in stopping ROS is that they are great in transition but they are also excellent in the half court,” Compton added.

“Alaska is a solid contender. We have to handle the press really well and limit turnovers so we don’t give up easy points. We need to match their energy and keep their guards from punching holes on our defense,” said Guiao.

“It’s going to be rough and rugged match all the way,” Guiao added.

The Barako-Blackwater tiff is also like a virtual playoff match.

“We need to feel the sense of urgency even in our preparation. The key is to stay focused from start to finish and to have the right mindset,” said Barako coach Koy Banal.

The Elite should have the confidence to compete after barely losing to the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 80-88, in a double-overtime game.