Ginebra, Petron eye crucial victories

MANILA — Barangay Ginebra and Petron Blaze clash against separate foes Sunday, hoping to keep their tie for second place and remain within striking distance of pacesetting Talk ‘N Text in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Boosters take the floor first at 5:30 p.m. against the defending champion Alaska Aces, who are expected to be still without the injured Cyrus Baguio.

Ginebra takes on sister squad B-Meg in the 7:45 p.m. contest and even though Llamados’ coach Jorge Gallent and his boys are coming off an impressive win, he wants his squad to stay on its toes.

“We play a team that likes to run and push the ball,” Gallent said moments after a 99-98 victory over Rain or Shine Friday night. “We need to save our legs and play like the way we played in the second half tonight (Friday).”

The Grand Slam-seeking Tropang Texters lead the way at 7-2 with Petron and Ginebra at 5-3. The Elasto Painters, after that defeat to the Llamados, need no less than a sweep of their last four games to have a chance at making the title playoffs.

Ginebra has a potent import in Donald Sloan, and the Kings will try to use their speed against the Llamados, who are decidedly superior underneath.

Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Mike Cortez and Ronald Tubid will be the prime locals for the Kings, while James Yap and Peter June Simon will continue to lead B-Meg.

Petron, meanwhile, will be unveiling a new import in Anthony Grundy, who will be taking the place of the injured Jeremy Wise.