MANILA, Philippines — Enjoying a renaissance of sort, B-Meg Derby Ace shoots for its fifth straight win in the PBA Philippine Cup when it battles Alaska Milk, a team which the Llamados coach Jorge Gallent describes as the best-disciplined squad in the league,

After going 1-5, the Llamados won four straight games, including a 94-86 win over Rain or Shine which Gallent is expected to use to further motivate his boys when they clash with the Aces at 7:30 p.m.

In the first game, Powerade tries to keep its playoff hopes alive when it tangles with Meralco at 5 p.m.

Aside from keeping their streak going, the Llamados are also out to avenge a 92-87 loss to the Aces last October 13.

Gallent, however, has some reservations about meeting the Aces.

“Very disciplined,” Gallent said of Alaska which is coming off a 87-76 win against Barako Bull last Sunday.

The win moved the Aces into a share for fourth to fifth places with the Llamados, thus making Wednesday’s game an all-important one.

After a 3-0 start, Tim Cone’s Alaska squad dropped five of its seven games.

Gallent is again expected to draw firepower from the combo of James Yap, PJ Simon, Roger Yap and Jonas Villanueva.

For Alaska to win, Cone said they have to limit the production of the four guards.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us to contain their four guards,” Cone said. “All are playing well. At the moment we’re tied in the standings so this head-to-head game is crucial for both teams. We will expect playoff-like intensity.”

The Bolts (4-5) are shooting for their third straight win following a 95-93 victory against the Air21 Express last week, and they will face the Tigers (3-7) hoping to snap a five-game losing skid. In their first meeting, Powerade defeated Meralco, 81-66, last Oct. 30.

“We are constantly moving up the ladder,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, who will miss for the second time the services of center Asi Taulava, who is playing for the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

Source:mb.com.ph