Kings eye payback vs Aces

Games today

Araneta Coliseum
5:15 p.m.- San Mig vs. Air21

7:30 p.m.- Alaska vs. Barangay Ginebra

HIGH-FLYING import Vernon Macklin has only tasted two defeats since donning the Barangay Ginebra jersey.

Macklin gets the chance to avenge one of those losses when the red-hot Gin Kings challenge the league-leading Alaska Aces in tonight’s main game of the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Macklin’s stint in the league took off to a faulty start when the Kings faltered in his debut, losing to the Aces, 69-84, in an out-of-town encounter last Feb. 23 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Macklin had a decent outing in that match, tallying 20 rebounds, 16 points and four assists.

That loss was part of the Kings’ horrible start as they started the tournament losing their first four games.

Ginebra turned things around after that loss, coming up with a terrific run that saw them win six of their last seven games capped by a thrilling 91-90 win over the Meralco Bolts last Sunday.

Mackling played the hero’s role in the victory by hitting the game-winning layup with 7.9 seconds left.

The six-game winning streak pushed the Kings to the upper part of the standings as they are currently tied with sister-team Petron Blaze Boosters for the third to fourth spots with similar 7-5 (win-loss) record.

Ginebra’s last taste of defeat was in March 3 when it bowed to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-96.

The league-leading Aces pose a big threat to Ginebra’s bid of stretching its run. Alaska has been consistent so far, occupying the solo number one spot with a 9-3 record.

The Aces have won their last two games and are coming off a gigantic 89-84 overtime win over the Painters./EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA