Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine finally get to resume their postponed battle today in the crucial Game Two of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Best-of-Five semi-final series at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The match is set at 7 p.m. with the Gin Kings looking to erect a commanding 2-0 lead that would move them on the verge of a Finals return trip.

Barangay Ginebra stunned top seed Rain or Shine in Game One, 102-89, last Sunday and was supposed to gun for a 2-0 lead on Tuesday before the league called off the clash due to heavy rains and flashfloods brought by Typhoon Henry.

The short but vital one-day layoff was a welcome development for the Gin Kings especially for big man Japeth Aguilar, who is nursing a swollen left Achilles injury.

With an added rest, Aguilar is hopeful he can finally suit up for the Kings after sitting out Game 1.

“I’m improving each day. Hopefully, I can return soon,” he said.

With or without the prized power forward though, Ginebra coach Tim Cone still has a potent core to bank on, led by Justin Brownlee, Greg Slaughter and new sniper Jeff Chan who all scored 20 or more points each last outing.

“So far, so good (in the playoffs), we hope we can continue doing it,” Cone said.

But Rain or Shine will not just fold and die even against the hottest team Ginebra.

Head coach Caloy Garcia is confident to turn the table around the Gin Kings to equalize the series and avoid a 0-2 hole, with or without Aguilar.

“We’re ready whether Japeth plays or not but knowing coach Tim as the best tactician he’ll find ways,” Garcia said.

“But that’s the nice thing about having this kind of series, you can always adjust. We’ll adjust and go to mismatches we haven’t take advantage of in the last game.”

Leading Elasto Painter’s equalizer attempt are hulking import Reggie Johnson, James Yap, Chris Tiu and Raymond Almazan.

Meanwhile, the PBA also re-scheduled the pivotal Game 3 between San Miguel and Alaska on Friday, July 20, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

“Semifinals game 3 of Alaska Aces vs San Miguel Beermen today has been postponed due to potential severe weather conditions (orange warning) as announced by National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council,” said the league in an official statement.

Game 3 was supposed to be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Defending champion San Miguel currently holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the race-to-three semis duel.

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