B-Meg seeks boost to semis bid

Buoyed by its win over San Miguel Beer last Sunday, reigning Philippine Cup champion B-Meg Derby Ace shoots for its third straight win when it battles Rain or Shine this Friday in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

Currently at third with a 9-5 win-loss record, the Llamados are favored over the Elasto Painters whom they beat in their first encounter.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. showdown.

A victory over Rain or Shine will also shore up B-Meg’s bid for one of two outright semis berths.

Talk ’N Text has already clinched a playoff berth for the second outright semis berth by beating Alaska, 76-75, the other day which extended its winning streak to 12. The Tropang Texters have a 13-2 record.

Also in contention are San Miguel (11-3) and Ginebra (9-6).

Clashing at 5 p.m are the Aces and the Air21 Express.

B-Meg coach Ryan Gregorio said their victory over the Beermen – big thanks to James Yap – boosted their drive for an outright semis berth.

“The victory against San Miguel gave us a huge confidence boost that we can compete against the best teams in the league for as long as our lock-down defensive strategies are applied consistently,” Gregorio said of their recent win where Yap scored 23 points, including a crucial jumper with 6.7 second left.

Rain or Shine is likewise coming off a huge 91-81 win against Sta. Lucia Realty, which also boosted the Terry Que and Raymund Yu-owned franchise’s bid for an automatic Final Four slot.

Games Friday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5 p.m. — Air21 vs Alaska
7:30 p.m. — B-Meg Derby Ace vs Rain or Shine