Streaking Alaska, Rain or Shine try to break free from three-way tie at second place

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Alaska

7:30 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Petron

The red-hot Alaska Aces face another acid test as they play the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska is currently the hottest team  in the league, piling up five straight wins capped by a thrilling 94-92 victory over the erstwhile unbeaten Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters last Friday.

After starting the tournament with back-to-back losses, the Aces turned things around with their successive wins that allowed them to move up to second place along with Rain or Shine and the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

The three teams all have 5-2 (win-loss) record, trailing Talk ’N Text (6-1).

The encounter could be a testy one since the Painters thrive in playing a rugged and physical game. Players to watch out for are Beau Belga, Cebuano JR Quiñahan and Ryan Araña.

Alaska has its own temperamental players in Gabby Espinas, Calvin Abueva and sophomre Mac Baracael.

“These (games) are the real test for us,” Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo said.

Meanwhile, the Tropang Texters try to get back on track when they take on the undermanned Petron Blaze Boosters.

The Boosters are at sixth spot with a 3-4 slate.  They have been playing without two key big men in June Mar Fajardo and Danny Ildefonso.

Petron’s struggle coupled with the woes of sister-team Barangay Ginebra has spurred rumors that the two teams are cooking up a trade with the Air21 Express.

Reports have it that Miranda is headed for Ginebra, which will then send point guard Mike Cortez to Air21. The Express were reportedly willing to send big men Yousef Taha or James Cena to the Boosters.