B-MEG guns for a fifth straight win against an Alaska crew on the brink of an early vacation when both squads collide today in the PBA Governors’ Cup’s totem pole clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
With a 4-1 record and holding a share of the lead, the Llamados can creep closer to a playoff berth with a win in their 7:30 p.m. battle with the Aces, who, ironically, could get the axe from their former coach.
Alaska has lost its last three games and is not looking good at all, while the Llamados, after opening up with a loss, are looking fearsome just like the way they did when they ruled the Commissioner’s Cup about two months back.
Meanwhile, Leroy Hickerson plays his second game and will try to again carry Barako Bull to a victory over Air21.
Hickerson scored 32 points in his debut last Friday despite arriving in Manila at 6 in the morning of game day and having to go through all the playing requirements.
He could prove to be even sharper in the 5:15 p.m. game against the very team that first brought him to Philippine shores two years ago.
Air21 has a 1-3 card and is doing just a tad better than the Aces, but a loss tonight could greatly dampen its chances of advancing to the next phase for the third straight tournament.
Marcus Blakely and James Yap will again be the main offensive options of the Llamados.
Peter June Simon will also be another headache as far as the Alaska defense is concerned.
Luigi Trillo is calling the shots for the Aces in lieu of the resigned Joel Banal.