Games today:
Araneta Coliseum
5:15 p.m.- Petron Blaze vs. Air21
7:30 p.m.- Alaska vs. Talk ‘N Text
A blistering start has catapulted the Alaska Aces to the top of the standings. They are the only unbeaten team in the 10-team field with a perfect 4-0 (win-loss) card.
The question is: Are the Aces for real?
Alaska stakes its unbeaten record when it tangles with the battle-scarred Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in the main of the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.
Aside from protecting their immaculate record, the Aces also try to exact some measure of revenge against the Texters, who defeated them in in their best-of-seven semifinal series last conference.
That series was tightly fought with the heavily favored Texters needing six games to get rid of the Aces. Talk ’N Text went on to win the championship by sweeping the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the finals.
Alaska’s early success was mainly because of the steady showing of import Robert Dozier, who fits well with the Aces’ system.
Alaska has also been getting solid contribution from their locals led by Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, rookie Calvin Abueva, Gabby Espinas, RJ Jazul, Dondon Hontiveros, Jvee Casio and Tony dela Cruz.
Talk ’N Text split its first four games and is coming off an 82-90 loss to the erstwhile winless San Mig Coffee Mixers.
Keith Benson will lead Talk N Text’s charge backed by the team’s solid local crew led by Jayson Castro, Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo, Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger and Larry Fonacier.
The Petron Blaze Boosters, meanwhile, try to move up to solo second place against the hard-luck Air21 Express.
The Boosters, who are on a three-game winning streak, are currently tied with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with identical 3-1 slate.
The Express have been dropping one close game after another, losing their last three games since starting the tournament with a 74-70 victory over the Barangay Ginebra Kings.