"They’re the defending champion and we all know they have a very talented coach and a very solid system," Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

The Bulls, hoping to extend their winning streak to three, meet the Aces in the curtain raiser at 4:30 p.m.

Welcoat Paints and Barangay Ginebra collide in the second game at 6:50 p.m.

The Dragons are eager to bounce back from an 88-109 defeat from the Bulls last Wednesday that dropped their win-loss card to 3-6, while the Gin Kings will try to end a two-game skid and improve their 1-7 record.

Welcoat interim coach Caloy Garcia will rely anew on his pair of imports Marquise Gainous and Corey Santee as well as locals Joe de Vance, JayR Reyes, Mark Isip, Rob Reyes and Don Dulay.

As for Ginebra, mentor Jong Uichico will lean on 7-foot-1 reinforcement Chris Alexander, locals Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Eric Menk.

Focus though will be on the Bulls-Aces encounter, which, during their first meeting, was marred by a fracas. Red Bull downed Alaska in overtime, 100-97, in Laoag City.

Near the end of regulation play, however, Alaska import Randy Holcomb broke the nose of Red Bull forward Rich Alvarez when he tried to block the latter’s lay-up but hit him in the face.

Holcomb was fined R20, 000 and suspended one game after his Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 or F1 was upgraded by league commissioner Sonny Barrios to F2.

Their second meeting is expected to be another tough battle, with the Bulls aiming to solidify their grip for the lead while the Aces gun for a second straight win after beating the Coca-Cola Tigers, 99-91, last Wednesday.

"We’re looking to create some momentum after winning our last game," Alaska’s Tim Cone said.

"We feel we’re getting close to the way we envisioned our team would play this conference. Obviously, we need to have better second round," Cone said.

One of Cone’s concerns is how to limit the point production of Cyrus Baguio and for Holcomb and his other big men to defend the post against the Bulls’ 7-foot import Adam Parada.

The Aces will also rely on reigning MVP Willie Miller, Tony dela Cruz, Jeffrey Cariaso, Joachim Thoss, LA Tenorio, John Ferriols and Reynel Hugnatan.

As for the Bulls, aside from Baguioa and Parada, Guiao will have mainstays Celino Cruz, Mick Pennisi, Mike Hrabak, Leo Najorda, Jojo Duncil, Kiko Adriano and Alvarez.

Aside from the Dragons, the Bulls also downed the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 105-78, last May 7.

In their win against Welcoat, Guaio’s team converted 18-of-35 from the three-point territory, tying Presto/Tivoli for the second most all-time record behind the 23 triples of Talk ’N Text last month against Air21.