STREAKS ON THE BLOCK

PETRON Blaze and Barako Bull have made heads turn by putting up streaks that have been the object of envy in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

One’s run is about to end Tuesday when they collide for the leadership 5:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Boosters are hoping to emerge from the match with a fifth straight win in six games overall, but must hurdle an Energy squad that has raised more than just a few eyebrows by winning its last three matches.

Foremost among those who have sat up and taken notice of Barako, which failed to make it past the eliminations in the season’s first two conferences, is Petron coach Gee Abanilla.

“Big game for us tomorrow because one streak has to end and I’m hoping it’s not ours,” said Abanilla, whose team is coming off a hard-earned 89-83 triumph over San Mig Coffee last Saturday.

Petron’s own surge is nothing to be scoffed at either since it was hardly expected from a team that got only as far as the quarterfinals its last time out and was entirely left out of the playoffs in the season-opening Philippine Cup.

Abanilla, who took over the Boosters just before the conference started, said it is all about everybody in his team keeping the faith.

“We just want to improve and believe in what we’re trying to build on,” said Abanilla, adding their work is cut out for them.

“In our last game, defense saved us. Against Barako we are hoping to do well on both ends because they are a very strong and well-coached team. We are hoping to compete at a high level against them,” he stated.

The respect is mutual, according to Barako active consultant Rajko Toroman.

“Tough game for us. We play versus the strongest team in the PBA with (a) great import,” said the Serbian national. “But we are in good shape and we will try to make a miracle and win.”

The Energy just recently did that, outplaying Barangay Ginebra in the most crucial stages for a surprise 104-91 shocker last Friday.

As is usually the case, Petron import Elijah Millsap and Barako counterpart Mike Singletary should cancel each other out, so crucial would be the support they should be getting from their local teammates. (NC)

Source: http://pba.inquirer.net/29875/streaks-on-the-block