Beermen, Aces cross paths anew

Games Wednesday

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – NLEX vs Meralco

7 p.m. – San Miguel vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion San Miguel Beer and Meralco try to crowd TNT KaTropa, Barangay Ginebra and Mahindra in the Top Five, both shooting for win No. 5 as they tangle with Alaska Milk and NLEX in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

The Beermen and the Aces, title protagonists in three of the last five PBA conferences, slug it out at 7 p.m. after the 4:15 p.m. curtain raiser between the Bolts and the Road Warriors.

TNT has virtually bagged a spot in the Final Eight with a 6-0 win-loss record. Barangay Ginebra and Mahindra are a breath away from making the quarterfinals at 5-2 while right behind them are San Miguel at 4-2 then Meralco at 4-3.

A concern for San Miguel is import Arizona Reid’s slight injury.

“I’m not going to play if I continue to play like this. It happens. Injuries are part of the sport and my Achilles [expletive] up,” said Reid after their 92-98 loss to Globalport Friday.

“I can’t really move the way I want to. I can’t get the lift on my jump shots. I get a lot of points in the post but I’m not right,” he also said. “Of course there’s a big prospect (of me sitting out games). I’m not going to tear my body up. Yes I want to play, but I have to be smart and my foot is a major part and it’s my priority.”

Seemingly, there’s a sign of a growing disagreement between Reid and coach Leo Austria. Reid was nowhere near the huddle during Austria’s final timeout in their game against Globalport.

The San Miguel management and coaching staff, however, are likely to have dealt with the concern of Reid, especially as the season-ending tourney is entering its crucial stage.

Meanwhile, the Aces are focused on scoring a follow-up on their stirring 85-69 conquest of the Star Hotshots in Panabo, Davao del Norte Saturday.

But they don’t expect an easy game.

“Over the 23 times that we have played San Miguel in the past five conferences, there has not been an easy game,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.

“They are the defending champion and the most talented team in the league. We will do all we can to battle and find a way. Once again, our defense will be the most important factor for us,” Compton added.

At 2-4, Alaska is tied with Globalport and Phoenix Petroleum at eighth place.

After a first win in their last four games Saturday, the Aces are determined to get going now to enhance their playoff aspiration.

At the end of the one-round-robin elims, only the top eight advance to the playoff round. The top four enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in their matchups with the next four.