POWERADE, now the only winless team in the PBA Governors’ Cup field, parades European league veteran Omar Sneed against Alaska today in a bid to arrest its skid and stay in the running for a playoff berth in the season-ending tournament.
Sneed, a 34-year-old journeyman who has seen extensive action in Belgium, Venezuela and the Netherlands, replaces the celebrated, but disappointing, Rashad McCants when the Tigers clash with the Aces in the 5:15 p.m. contest set at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
McCants averaged 25 points in his two games with the Tigers, but the talent and skill that took him to stints with Minnesota and Sacramento in the NBA have clearly deserted him, forcing Powerade officials to look for a replacement.
Reigning Commissioner’s Cup champion B-Meg battles Barako Bull in the 7:30 p.m. game with the Llamados seeking a second straight win and the Energy hoping to avoid a second consecutive defeat.
B-Meg shook off championship hangover right in their second game by turning back sister team Barangay Ginebra, 96-88, last week, and the Llamados are looking sharp once again.
“We got back to our comfort zone in this game,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone, who could tie the legendary Baby Dalupan with the most career titles won in the league with another championship here.
One big reason why the Llamados are playing well is the rejuvenation of Yancy de Ocampo, the 6-foot-9 shooting big man whom Cone has placed a lot of scoring responsibilities on.
De Ocampo is averaging 16.5 points in their first two outings and is providing all sorts of match-up problems with his height and ability—and willingness—to play outside and take jumpers.
“(Yancy is averaging) 16.5 points and that is great in an import conference,” Cone added. “He has definitely picked up the slack for Ping (Marc Pingris) and Joe (De Vance).”
Willie Miller and Danny Seigle will be the prime local options for the Energy, who are expected to again draw strength from young import Jamine Peterson.
R. Or Shine 3 0
Petron 2 1
Alaska 1 1
Barako Bull 1 1
B-Meg 1 1
Bgy. Ginebra 1 1
Meralco 1 1
Air21 1 2
Talk ‘N Text 1 2
Powerade 0 2
GAMES TODAY
(Smart Araneta
Coliseum)
5:15 p.m.—Alaska
vs Powerade
7:30 p.m.—Barako Bull vs B-Meg