Rain or Shine starts quarterfinal series against Ginebra; Petron takes on Meralco

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m. – Petron vs. Meralco

7:30 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs. Ginebra

The playoffs in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup continue today as two exciting quarterfinal match ups fill the playdate at the Araneta Coliseum.

The curtain-raiser will feature the Petron Blaze Boosters going up against the Meralco Bolts.

The spotlight though falls on the main offing featuring the crowd darlings, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Both matches will be Game 1 of a best-of-three affair.

The match up to see will be the one pitting much-heralded rookie wingman Paul Lee of Rain or Shine against veteran gunner Mark Caguioa of Ginebra.

Momentum appears to be on the side of the Kings as they are riding the crest of a five-game winning streak.

Also playing well is current Player of the Week awardee Mike Cortez, who figures to be a cog in the offensive machine of the Gin Kings.

The Blaze Boosters will lean largely on the efforts of versatile forward Arwind Santos along with guards Joseph Yeo, Denok Miranda and Alex Cabagnot.

Meralco will counter with Sol Mercado, Mark Cardona and big man, Asi Taulava.

Already in the semifinals are the reigning champions Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, after they got past the Barako Bull last Wednesday.