SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Despite suffering an unexpected defeat against the San Mig Coffee Mixers Sunday night, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings still remain the top team in the PBA based on their outstanding play throughout the conference.
Check out Rappler’s latest edition of the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup Power Rankings below.
1. (Last week: 1) Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (9-2) (—)
Ginebra had no trouble dealing with a Fajardo-less Petron and followed it up with a sensational win against Meralco, flashing their never-say-die spirit in the end game. However, in Round 2 of their Manila Clasico encounter against San Mig Coffee, the crowd favorites were totally outclassed. Nevertheless, they stay on top of the PBA standings, nearing the semis berth.
2. (Last week: 2) Petron Blaze Boosters (8-2) (–)
Petron Blaze clearly felt the absence of June Mar Fajardo when Ginebra blasted them on Christmas Day. But the Boosters quickly bounced back and crushed Talk ‘N Text, 105-91. Doug Kramer and Ronald Tubid did a good job crashing the boards, each logging in 10 rebounds as the crew went on to outrebound the Tropang Texters sans their giant.
3. (Last week: 4) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (8-3) (▲)
The Elasto Painters are on a four-game winning streak and different weapons have starred in their wins. Among the heroes are rookies Raymond Almazan (17 points,11 rebounds, 2 blocks vs San Mig Coffee) and Alex Nuyles (16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals vs Globalport). It seems Coach Yeng Guiao is reminding the rest of the league that his boys were the runners-up in this conference last year, and they’re eager to return to the championship round.
4. (Last week: 3) Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (7-3) (▼)
The reigning three-peat champions in this conference won’t let themselves get booted out of the picture. Jayson Castro once again led Talk ‘N Text in another overtime win against Alaska; the Tropang Texters also drew great games from Kelly Williams and Ranidel De Ocampo. The return of Ryan Reyes should bolster their outside shooting and, since Reyes is a defensive stopper, he’ll also be tasked to handcuff opponents.
5. (Last week: 9) Barako Bull Energy (4-7) (▲)
No one gave Barako Bull the spotlight but now they’re right in the middle of the PBA standings. Barako lost a close fight to Rain or Shine but won two of their last three outings. Eleven players are averaging at least six points a game for them. Their experience and team effort should propel them into the latter stages of the Philippine Cup.
6. (Last week: 7) Meralco Bolts (4-7) (▲)
Meralco is arguably the most wounded team right now in the PBA. Cliff Hodge is still battling with a sprained ankle; Mike Cortez will be sidelined for several months with a knee injury, while Kerby Raymundo has yet to even play a game for the Bolts. Coach Ryan Gregorio got a lift after the squad signed veteran slotman Danny Ildefonso, who scored 14 points against Air21. The important thing for Meralco is to not back down from the difficult situation they’re facing.
7. (Last week: 6) San Mig Coffee Mixers (4-7) (▼)
The Super Coffee Mixers scored a split in their last two outings; they were blown out by Rain or Shine but quickly recovered and pulled off the upset against Ginebra. Coach Tim Cone’s wards played an excellent game, outrebounding Ginebra, 62-39, including 25-9 on offensive boards. Marc Pingris once again exemplified the puso spirit, playing despite being hurt. Mark Barroca continues his stellar play and outdueled LA Tenorio this week.
8. (Last week: 8) Alaska Aces (4-7) (—)
The Alaska Aces are fighting really hard to make it past the elimination round; they trounced San Mig 88-75 but came up short against the Texters. Their outside gunners have really been off and that is one issue they have to resolve if they are to stage a repeat of their semifinals appearance last season.
9. (Last week: 5) Globalport Batang Pier (4-7) (▼)
Globalport is on a four-game losing skid. They simply can’t end their struggles, and with Sol Mercado out only Jay Washington has provided any spark for the Batang Pier. Rookie Terrence Romeo is in a serious slump as well, and it must end if Coach Ritchie Ticzon’s crew is to last in this conference.
10. (Last week: 10) Air21 Express (2-9) (–)
Joseph Yeo has been spectacular for the Express, scoring a triple-double in their hard-fought win against Globalport. Asi Taulava meanwhile is playing as if he’s in his 20s, while KG Canaleta has been providing quality minutes for Air21. However, their bench has been silent all tournament long, failing to give the ample support to lift the Express up in the team standings. – Rappler.com
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