San Miguel tests Alaska Milk

Games Sunday (Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
4 p.m. - Sta. Lucia vs Talk 'N Text
6:30 p.m. - Alaska vs San Miguel

Alaska Milk lost its conference debut last week, but that's not an indication that the Aces will be easy opponents in the PBA Fiesta Cup.

"From time to time it happens, maybe they're still not in shape," said San Miguel Beer head coach Siot Tanquingcen, referring to Alaska's disappointing 92-100 setback to Talk 'N Text last week to start its campaign in this reinforced-conference.

The Beermen, currently tied for second with the Coca-Cola Tigers with identical 3-1 win-loss records, test the mettle of the Aces (0-1) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

The TNT Tropang Texters (2-2) and Sta. Lucia Realtors (1-3), meanwhile, clash at 4 p.m.

Barangay Ginebra came through with a big fourth quarter push to beat Air21, 100-98, last night in the PBA on the Road presented by Phoenix Fuel at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center in Negros Occidental.

The Gin Kings trailed the Express three-fourth of the way and was down, 70-85 going into the final period but went on a 30-13 spree in the final 10 minutes to turn the tide around and register their third win in four games.

The Express absorbed their second loss against two victories.

Fresh from a 106-92 win over Barako Bull Coffee, SMB is gunning for its third straight win and fourth in five starts as it tries to take the solo second in the standings.

Behind Dondon Hontiveros' 20-point output and import Gabe Freeman's double-double finish of 17 points and 13 rebounds, the Beermen flexed their muscles to rout Barako.

The Beermen started strong opening a 25-7 lead, but it was trimmed to, three, 64-67 late in the third. SMB, however, unleashed a 31-8 blast to finally settle the outcome, 95-72, with 5:32 left in the game.

While it had a relatively easy going against Barako, SMB should not take Alaska for granted especially that the Aces are actually coming off a five-game losing slide dating back to the previous Philippine Cup Finals where they were swept by B-Meg Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods) in their best-of-seven series.

"Alaska is always a tough assignment. Knowing coach Tim Cone, he'll come to the game well-prepared," Tanquingcen said.