ROOKIE Raymond Almazan (left) will play a key role as Rain or Shine tries to stop Barako Bull’s run. ARNOLD ALMACEN
BARAKO Bull faces another acid test today when the Energy—the surprise package thus far in the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup—gun for a third straight win and a share of the elimination round lead against the formidable Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at Mall of Asia Arena.
Game time is at 5:15 p.m., with the veteran Energy out to prove they’re for real against a young yet similarly tough-playing Elasto Painters squad that will be coming off its first loss of the season.
It’s no secret that the Energy are the oldest team in the league and that experience is their biggest weapon. And how that stacks up against a Rain or Shine squad that loves to run-and-gun and rough it up inside will be known today.
Earlier, San Mig Coffee, the other surprise of the tournament for being winless after its first three games, slugs it out with another winless team, Air21, at 3 p.m.
The Mixers, who won the Governors’ Cup in seven games over Petron less than two months ago, are struggling big time and will be coming off their longest losing streak in close to two seasons.
But against the Express, San Mig is installed as the solid picks mainly because Air21 is displaying the poorest form in the field so far.
The Painters took their first loss against Ginebra last week, but not after giving the Gin Kings a solid fight. In that game, rookie Raymond Almazan, the third overall choice in the Draft, held his own against the hulking frontline of Ginebra.
Paul Lee, Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood will lead the Painters.
Ronjay Buenafe and Mick Pennisi, the heroes the last time out for the Energy, remain to be Barako Bull’s deadliest outside guns that Rain or Shine would have to muzzle.