GlobalPort guns for 3rd straight win

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

5:45 p.m.- Alaska vs. GlobalPort

8:00 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Barangay Ginebra

The rookie-laden GlobalPort Batang Pier shoot for their longest winning streak in franchise history when they play the inconsistent Alaska Aces today in the 39th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier registered their first-ever back-to-back victories when they humbled the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 90-88, last Sunday. It was also the first time that GlobalPort was able to defeat Rain or Shine.

Before beating the Painters, the Batang Pier also scored a big win over the Meralco Bolts, 93-89. Those two wins allowed GlobalPort to move up to the middle part of the standings with an even 3-3 (win-loss) card.

“Our rookies are learning how to play in the PBA, and our veterans are stepping up and being the leaders of the team,” said Ritchie Ticzon, the rookie coach of GlobalPort. “Being one as a team – it’s coming in to play already. I didn’t expect this to be this early, but wins makes it easier for us to jell together.”

The Aces, for their part, are looking for consistency as they have yet to post a win streak in this tournament.

Alaska currently has a 2-3 card and is coming off a sorry 85-86 loss to the league-leading Petron Blaze Boosters.

In the main game, the Barangay Ginebra Kings look to firm up their hold of the second place when they tangle with the Barako Bull Energy Colas.

Ginebra moved up to 4-1 following a thrilling 97-95 win over the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters last Sunday.

Big man Japeth Aguilar keyed the Kings’ win by hitting the go-ahead triple in the waning seconds before blocking the potential game-tying shot of Ranidel de Ocampo.

Looking to restore order are the Energy Colas, who have lost their last three games after a surprising 2-0 start.