THE league-leading Alaska Aces, unbeaten in five starts, try to rewrite the record book when they meet the Burger King Whopper in the 5 p.m. match of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome today.
The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings (2-1) try to grab solo second place when they meet the resilient Barako Bull Energy Boosters (2-2) in the 7:30 p.m. main game. The Coca-Cola Tigers (1-3) take on the Smart-Gilas RP training team in an exhibition match at 2:30 p.m.
The Aces (5-0) have matched their unbeaten start during the 1998 All-Filipino conference which they eventually won. They will try to do one better against the dangerous Whopper (1-3).
“It is not going to be an easy game against Burger King,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone. “Yeng’s [Guiao] team always gets under your skin because they always play physical. They are a blue-collar team which can never be underestimated. It is going to be real tough game but we have always risen to the challenge this conference.”
Cone said their underlying theme this conference is to do one better. They already bettered their 4-0 start during last year’s Philippine Cup and they will be fully focused on trying to beat the Whopper today.
“There is so much truth to the cliché of taking it one game at a time,” said Cone. “You cannot look past the team you will be facing. We are not thinking of setting any records or winning streaks. We are just thinking of beating Burger King.”
