Alaska, San Mig seek first victory

Games today:

Cuneta Astrodome

5:45 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Meralco

8:00 p.m.- San Mig vs. Alaska

BITTER RIVALS San Mig Coffee Mixers and Alaska Aces cross paths again as they try to barge into the win column in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, on the other hand, gun for the early leadership when they tackle the Meralco Bolts in the other game.

Both the Aces and the Mixers dropped their opening games with the former losing to the Painters, 74-87, and the latter bowing to the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 68-86.

The two teams have become bitter rivals since Tim Cone left Alaska in favor of San Mig.

In last season’s Commissioner’s Cup, the Aces prevailed over the Mixers in the semifinal series showdown and went on to win the championship title.

At the next conference, Alaska and San Mig met anew in the quarterfinal round, where the Aces faced a twice-to-win disadvantage. Alaska was able to send the series into a sudden-death duel but eventually bowed to San Mig, which went on to win the Governors’ Cup crown.

The title run allowed Cone to tie Baby Dalupan for the most number of titles won by a coach at 15. Cone won his first 13 titles with Alaska.

Meanwhile, the Painters look to break a five-away tie at the number spot.

Aside from Rain or Shine, also sporting 1-0 (win-loss) cards are Barako Bull, Ginebra, Petron and Talk ‘N Text.

Like Alaska and San Mig, the Bolts also fumbled in their first assignment following an 80-89 loss to the Tropang Texters here at the Cebu Coliseum. /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA