Hotshots eye joint lead vs Dyip
Surging Magnolia seeks a share of the lead while Alaska Milk returns from almost a month-long layoff with sights set on a piece of second spot as they take on separate opponents in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
The Hotshots, fresh from a 109-108 squeaker over the San Miguel Beermen, are the oddson pick versus the winless Columbian Dyip squad (0-6) in their 4:30 p.m. match, with a win to allow Magnolia to tie Ginebra in the lead at 5-1.
The Aces are right behind the Hotshots at 3-1 but could face a tough challenge against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters who are fielding a new import in Terrence Watson in a bid to check a 0-2 start. Alaska and ROS clash at 7 p.m. The Aces, with import Mike Harris, got off to a flying start with victories over Meralco (80-72), TNT KaTropa (125-96) and Phoenix Petroleum (108-97) before suffering a 101-109 loss at the hands of the Gin Kings on Sept. 1. And they have been idle since then. Alaska coach Alex Compton hopes they have done their job to stay sharp going to their game against the E-Painters who are aching to finally hit the win-column.
ROS coach Caloy Garcia is disappointed with their rocky start ironically after the stint of their core group with the national team.
“They should be stepping up more given the fact that they saw action against the best in Asia. Dapat pagbalik nila they’re playing better than what they’re playing now,” said Garcia, referring to Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, Gabe Norwood, James Yap, Chris Tiu and Maverick Ahanmisi.