KFC-PBA Philippine Cup
Alaska (6-1)
x-Ginebra (4-1)
San Miguel (5-2)
Talk ’N Text (4-2)
Purefoods (3-3)
Sta. Lucia (3-3)
Barako Bull (2-4)
Coca-Cola (1-4)
x-Burger King (1-4)
Rain or Shine (1-6)

x — Playing at presstime

Games this Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4:00 p.m. — San Miguel vs Barako Bull
6:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Purefoods

San Miguel Beer shoots for its sixth straight win even as Rain or Shine tries to follow up its stunning win over erstwhile unbeaten Alaska Milk when it faces Purefoods this Sunday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The streaking Beermen (5-2) collide with the dangerous Barako Bull (2-4) in the curtain raiser at 4 p.m. before the 6:30 p.m. encounter between Purefoods (3-3) and the rejuvenated Rain or Shine (1-6).

The Beermen will try to match this conference’s longest winning streak of six games set by Alaska, which opened with a 6-0 win-loss record before Rain or Shine halted it with an 86-81 beating Friday night in Antipolo City.

It was only the Elasto Painters’ first win in this all-Filipino conference after a disappointing 0-6 start and coach Caloy Garcia is optimistic they can use the momentum of that win when they face the Giants.

“We just have to remain competitive on both sides,” Garcia said. “After that win against Alaska, it made us believe in ourselves knowing that if we can play as a team, we can win.”

After dropping their first six games, there were reports that Garcia is on the way out, but team owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que denied it, saying they are supporting Garcia all the way.

“As I said before, we’re confident that Garcia can turn things around,” said Yu.

Purefoods is still hurting from a 76-92 setback to San Miguel Beer last Wednesday.

“Every game counts and you can never take anything for granted. Rain or Shine is coming off a huge confidence-boosting win against solo leader Alaska,” Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio said. “They maybe 1-6, but, the momentum is definitely on their side.

“We are still in a roller-coaster ride and hopefully we will stabilize soon.

“We threw the ball over 24 times against SMB, and gave away 29 turnovers points, no way are we are going to win with such a sloppy brand of basketball.

Execution and taking care of the leather will be given emphasis in the game,” Gregorio added.

Expected to step up for the Giants are the 1-2 punch of veterans James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, while providing support are Nino Canaleta, rookie Rico Maierhofer, as well as PJ Simon and Rafi Reavis, who are both returning from injuries.

As for the Painters, sophomores Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado and TY Tang are expected to carry the fight with able backing from Jay-Arr Reyes, Ryan Araña, Don Dulay, Mark Telan, and Mike Hrabak.