THREE of the top teams aim to move closer to a berth in the playoffs when they resume their campaigns in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Alaska (5-1) will target sole possession of first place as it faces yet another stiff test from No. 4-ranked NLEX (4-2) in an expected, highly contested affair at 4:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.
Following the opener is an equally interesting collision between third-running Rain or Shine (4-1) and Barako Bull (3-3) in 7 p.m. nightcap.
A victory for any of the three top-tier teams, Alaska, Rain or Shine and NLEX, will push it to the brink of clinching a berth in the quarterfinals.
Currently tied with San Miguel Beer at the top, the Aces are rolling as their consistency is showing the way.
They would like to sustain their momentum in search of a potential third straight win against the equally energized Road Warriors.
“We’re looking at a tough grind ahead,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “We have to really be consistent in this game against Alaska to win.”
In their last outings last Tuesday, these two squads both won in dramatic fashion.
Alaska downed Star, 107-102, while NLEX squeaked past Meralco, 93-91.
Like those two teams, Rain or Shine also wants to keep its place in the upper echelon.
It is looking to follow-up on its 103-81 rout of Blackwater last Saturday.
“We don’t want to take Barako Bull for granted,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao of his team’s next opposition.
On the other hand, the Energy will look to bounce back as they lost a heartbreaking 105-106 squeaker to San Miguel Beer last Sunday.
Games Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Alaska vs. NLEX
7 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs. Barako