Petron eyes no. 4

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

4:00 p.m.- Meralco vs. Petron

6:15 p.m.- Alaska vs. Rain or Shine

The unbeaten Petron Blaze Boosters gun for a fourth straight win against the Meralco Bolts in today’s first game of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters try to break free from a three-way tie at second place when they collide with the listless Alaska Aces in the main game.

Today’s double-header is crucial for both Petron and Rain or Shine as results could shake up the top rankings.

The Boosters sit on top of the standings with a clean 3-0 (win-loss) record. The Elasto Painters are in the company of the Talk N Text Tropang Texters and the Barako Bull Energy at second place with similar 3-1 slates.

Petron is having success this early despite the absence of big-time players Dondon Hontiveros, Jay Washingto and Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who are nursing various injuries.

Petron and Rain or Shine are expected to have their hands full against their respective opponents which are desperate to get their campaign going in the season-opening tournament.

The Bolts parade an even 2-2 record, good for fourth place. The team came from a sorry, 84-89 loss to the Elasto Painters.

Alaska is one of the few title contenders in the tournament but is having rough transition after its long-time head coach Tim Cone decided to quit his post.

The Aces are at ninth place with a dismal 0-3 record. The other winless team is the lowly Shopinas.com Clicker, who are 0-4.

Alaska is yet to win a single game under new head coach Joel Banal.