CYRUS Baguio (left) of the Alaska Aces and Mark Caguioa of Barangay Ginebra are expected to lead their respective squads when they square off Sunday. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
BARANGAY Ginebra is on a run, and Alaska is again on a slide.
With the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations nearing its homestretch, the Gin Kings seek a third straight win against the Aces, who will try to end a three-game losing streak in the 6:30 p.m. clash today at Smart Araneta Coliseum
During the first two weeks of the season-opening tournament, Ginebra also won its first two games and Alaska dropped its first two. Then both sides went on five-game streaks in opposite directions.
From a tie for second some two weeks back with a 5-2 record, Alaska is now at 5-5 and in fifth spot, needing to win games in a string to have a shot at nailing a top two slot and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Ginebra is in a shakier boat at 4-5 and tied with rampaging Air21 for sixth spot.
Only the top eight teams after the elimination round will advance to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Petron Blaze, which rediscovered its touch last week, seeks a second straight win at 4:15 p.m. when it battles newcomer Globalport.
The Boosters will be coming off an impressive outing against Rain or Shine that snapped a three-game losing streak and are heavily favored against the Batang Pier.
Incidentally, Gary David sees action for just the second time in the last month for the Batang Pier and he will surely be a marked man considering his outburst against the Kings last week where he scored 21 points in the fourth period alone.
For Globalport, it would have to start winning now if it is to entertain thoughts of making it past the eliminations in its first tournament in the league.
With a 1-8 record, the Batang Pier are probably just a loss or two away from slipping back into the shadows.