Ginebra tries to start winning streak in PBA

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

4:15 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Petron

6:30 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Barangay Ginebra

BARANGAY  Ginebra heaved a huge sigh of relief when it finally ended a four-game slide.

Making it two-in-a-row will make the Kings feel even better as they take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the main game of today’s 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings blasted the Barako Bull Energy Colas last Wednesday, 93-72, for their first victory under new head coach Al Francis Chua.

Ginebra is hoping that the breakthrough win will get them going since it is still in the company of the Air21 Express at the last spot with identical 1-4 (win-loss) records.

Mark Caguioa and Vernon Mackling conspired in the Kings’ successful outing against the Energy Colas with the former firing 23 points and the latter tallying 21.

The high-leaping Macklin, who replaced Herbert Hill, also had 14 rebounds and four assists.

New recruit Mac Barcael played his best game in a Ginebra uniform by scattering 14 points.

While Ginebra is looking to start rolling, the Painters are looking to keep their streak going.

Rain or Shine has won its last three games since starting the tournament with a close 81-83 loss to the Alaska Aces. The Painters are at solo third place with a 3-1 card.

In the first game, the Petron Blaze Boosters try to cement their hold of solo second place against Barako Bull.

Petron is the second hottest team in the league right now, pocketing four consecutive victories for a 4-1 start.

The Boosters’ lone loss was against Globalport Batang Pier, which pulled a tight 94-92 victory in their Feb. 8 encounter.

Petron is trailing the Aces, who are off to a hot start in the import-laced tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.  /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA