By JONAS TERRADO
Games Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs GlobalPort
6:45 p.m. – Ginebra vs Phoenix
Rain or Shine aims to reclaim sole possession of the lead today when it battles GlobalPort in the final doubleheader of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup before the All-Star break at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters, tied at 4-1 with TNT KaTropa, are expected to enter the 4:30 p.m. match with the Batang Pier riding high on their 123-119 overtime victory over the defending champion San Miguel Beermen last weekend.
Meeting in the second game at 6:45 p.m. are Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Phoenix, which reportedly tapped the services of Eugene Phelps after placing James White on the injured list.
Phelps, nicknamed “El Destructor,” has been with the team since last week and was supposed to begin early preparations for his role as Fuel Masters import in the Governors’ Cup.
Phoenix carries a 2-2 record while Ginebra is eyeing its second straight win after starting the tournament with two straight defeats.
Today’s matches will be the last before the league’s shifts its focus on the All-Star Week in Digos, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, Batangas City on Friday and Iloilo City next Sunday.
Action in the midseason conference resumes on May 30.
Rain or Shine hurdled the big obstacle of facing the talented San Miguel squad in Antipolo City with import Reggie Johnson and Raymond Almazan playing major roles in the victory that came after a 104-96 loss to Columbian Dyip last May 9.
The 290-lb Johnson had 27 points and 19 rebounds while Almazan produce 25 points and 14 rebounds for the Elasto Painters.
Elasto Painters coach Caloy Garcia will once again bank on his two big men along with Gabe Norwood, Chris Tiu, Maverick Ahanmisi and Ed Daquioag in their attempt to stay on top against a Batang Pier side likewise coming off a win.
GlobalPort cruised to a 116-94 victory over NLEX last Wednesday with Sean Anthony, import James White and Stanley Pringle leading the way.
Also expected to step up for the Batang Pier are Mo Tautuaa, Jonathan Grey, Nico Elorde and Julian Sargent.
