Rampaging Llamados aim to add Kings to list of victims

Stopped on its tracks a week ago, Barangay Ginebra now tries to do the same thing against B-Meg Derby Ace in the PBA Philippine Cup. The Kings stand in the way of a charging Llamados five Sunday night when two of the most popular teams in the league collide at the Araneta Coliseum. After losing to league leader San Miguel Beer, 79-78, exactly a week ago, the Gin Kings share second place with the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters. The Llamados are on a five-game winning streak, which they capped with an 84-79 win over Alaska the last time. Now, the defending champions try their hand against the Kings in their bid to continue with their winning rampage. For Ginebra, though, the 6 p.m. encounter could make or break their chances of clinching a twice-to-beat incentive in the season-opening meet. “This is already the crucial stage," said Kings coach Jong Uichico. “We just have to set aside what happened in our last game and stay focused against Derby. They’re playing well at this point." At 7-3, the Kings are still very much alive for a shot at finishing at No. 1 or No. 2 after the 14-game eliminations. For that to occur, the Kings have to win their remaining four games, including one against Talk ‘N Text, a team also eyeing the twice-to-beat bonus. And getting past the Llamados is the first step towards that direction. After dropping five of their first six games, the Llamados won five straight, beating fancied teams Talk ‘N Text and Alaska in that charge. They are hoping to add the Kings to their list of victims and avenge their 93-82 loss the first time they met last October 24. “Ginebra is a very strong team. We have to limit the production of their guards and see to it that they do not get into a flow and make use of the running game. As much as possible, we would want to force them to play the half-court," said Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent. Struggling teams Alaska and Rain or Shine collide in the 4 p.m. curtain raiser. The Aces have lost five of their last seven games, dropping them in the bottom half of the standings with a 5-6 (win-loss) card. Just a notch below are the Elasto Painters (4-5). “We’re still in the hunt for our game," said Alaska coach Tim Cone. “It’s missing somewhere, and we’re hoping (Sunday’s) game proves to be the road to discovery. Seriously, we’re still hoping to get our momentum going before the playoffs begin." The Aces beat the Elasto Painters in their first meeting on October 15, 88-80. But Rain or Shine is expected to welcome back Sol Mercado to its active roster after the explosive shooting guard was loaned to the Philippine Smart-Gilas team for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. The Elasto Painters dropped a 94-86 game to the Llamados in their last game. – KY/JVP, GMANews.TV