LEAGUE-leading GlobalPort Batang Pier tries to keep its grip on the top spot while the Alaska Aces and the Star Hotshots continue their search for that elusive first win as the 2016-17 Philippine Basketball Association Philippines Cup resumes.
With its 2-0 start, the Batang Pier found itself in the solo lead and it shoots for its third straight win against winless Alaska (0-2) at 4:15 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Today.
Three hours later, an interesting tiff materializes with NLEX (1-1) and listless Star (0-2) squaring off at 7 p.m. in the nightcap.
Showing tremendous improvement with the help of its new recruits and the usual productions of its stars, GlobalPort is off to a hot start.
Batang Pier coach Franz Pumaren credited his players for this nice run that his team is enjoying to start the conference and the season.
“We’re putting emphasis on defense and everybody is embracing their respective roles that’s why we’re having one good start,” said Pumaren.
Still, the battle-tested coach said that he and his wards expect tougher challenges ahead, including this one against the Aces.
“The real tests are coming now and in our next few games. These will be a good springboard for us to gauge ourselves,” he added.
GlobalPort tripped Star, 91-84, the last time out last Friday with usual gunners Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo leading the charge.
On the other hand, the Aces, despite having a depleted line-up, were still competitive against defending champion San Miguel before yielding, 93-88, last Saturday night.
Alaska, the runner-up in this conference last season, is facing a must-win situation to avoid an 0-3 hole.
Both the Road Warriors and the Hotshots will head to their battle coming off losses in their previous assignments.
Star bowed to GlobalPort while NLEX also got stopped in its last game, losing decisively to Meralco, 106-93, last Saturday.
Bouncing back will be the theme for both teams.
