MANILA, Philippines - The streaking Barako Bull Energy gun for their 5th straight victory when they face off against the still-winless Alaska Aces Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Barako Bull has been the most surprising team early in the All Filipino Cup, notching wins over strong teams including pre-season favorites Talk N Text, Barangay Ginebra and B-Meg Derby Ace.
"They are practically an all-star team," said Alaska coach Joel Banal of the Energy, which is bannered by former league MVP Willie Miller, along with Danny Seigle and standout rookies Allein Maliksi and Dylan Ababou.
But Barako coach Junel Baculi is not satisfied with their current 4-1 record, which ties them with TNT for second in the league. He is aiming for at least a 9-5 record after the elimination round.
"We want to continue on running and improving our system, win as many games as we can," he said in an interview with PBA.ph.
Baculi is also not looking past the Aces, who have struggled in the post-Tim Cone era but are on the verge of breaking through.
Alaska had a chance to book its first win last week against the Meralco Bolts, but late-game execution became an issue and the Bolts dealt them a 75-81 setback.
New coach Banal, however, is looking forward to the challenge.
"(This is) a good game to win for us," he said about their contest against Barako.
"We must be wary of Alaska," Baculi said. "A veteran team, they can win anytime. We don't want that to happen."
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