Ginebra, Air21 shoot for 3rd straight victories

MANILA–Barangay Ginebra and Air21 shoot for their third straight victories against separate foes today in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ginebra, with its star-studded guard rotation delivering, is slightly favored over Rain or Shine in the 7:30 p.m. contest.

Odds also favor the Air21 Express in their 5 p.m. date with the Red Bull Energy Boosters.

The Kings have won by an average of 15 points in their victories over Barako Bull and the defending champion Derby Ace Llamados.

Air21, on the other hand, has brought down two quality teams in the Llamados and the Alaska Aces, giving the Express a psychological edge they need against the Energy Boosters.

Willie Miller has been consistent and Mark Caguioa is slowly rounding out to top form again, making the Kings a dangerous side even without the presence of a reliable big man other than the undersized center Rudy Hatfield.

Eric Menk might be made to suit up today after missing the Kings’ first five games because of a twitched hamstring.

Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado will again be the main men for the Painters, who have gone loss-win-loss-win-loss in their first five games after two scintillating victories.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Commissioner yesterday suspended referee Joel Ngo for one game after an incident that had Alaska coach Tim Cone storming onto the floor in the Aces’ 97-99 loss to San Miguel Beer on Wednesday.

Ngo allowed the Beermen to make an inbound even with the Alaska defense not yet set after a timeout, giving Dondon Hontiveros the chance to make a crucial three-pointer in the dying minutes of the closely fought game.

San Miguel plays Derby Ace at 5 p.m. tomorrow in a double-header presented by Phoenix Fuel also at the Big Dome. Powerade and Meralco clash in the main game at 7:30.