Powerade takes aim at Rain or Shine; Barako Bull battles Petron

AKTV/Paolo Papa

Powerade tries to put an end to the four-game winning streak of Rain or Shine as they face off in the main game of the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigers battle the league-leading Elasto Painters at 7:30 p.m. In the first game, Barako Bull parades balik-import LeRoy Hickerson when the Energy meet Petron Blaze at 5:15 p.m.

Rain or Shine is enjoying the franchise’s best start at 4-0 and is coming off a pulsating 93-90 thriller over Barangay Ginebra on Paul Lee’s game-winning three-pointer.

Powerade is also on a mini-streak, winning its last two games after dropping its first two assignments.

“Rain or Shine is playing excellent basketball. Their import had been their source of energy,” said Tigers coach Bo Perasol.

“Our emphasis would be on how we could find a way to limit their output from their various attacks.”

Perasol is referring to Jamelle Cornley, who has been steady for the Elasto Painters, while Lee and Jeff Chan are contributing consistently for the team of coach Yeng Guiao.

The Elasto Painters have been unstoppable in the tournament but Guiao knows that the game against Powerade won’t be a picnic.

“Powerade is title contender with an import who is the right fit for them plus Gary David is a headache for any coach, and I just hope our game can address both Gary and [Omar] Sneed,” said Guiao.

Sneed is a major reason why the Tigers are on a mini-roll. After posting 13 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists in the Tigers’ 114-97 win over Alaska, Sneed tallied 32 points and 23 boards in Powerade’s 110-105 victory over Talk ‘N Text.

In the opener, Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi said his team is at a “crossroad” and hopes that Hickerson could put them back on the right track.

Hickerson suited up for Air21 two years ago and averaged 32.8 points and 14.2 rebounds in six games with the Express.

Petron, the defending champion of the tournament, is at solo second spot with a 3-1 mark.

“The mindset of the team is each game is important,” said Boosters coach Ato Agustin whose team is coming off a 107-94 demolition of Alaska.

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