Wriggle out of mid jam

Meralco and Phoenix try to free themselves from a clogged middle pack in the standings to bolster their playoff hopes when they clash today in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Action begins at 7 p.m. with the Bolts (4-2) and the Fuel Masters (3-2) looking to string wins for a playoff spot entering the critical home stretch of the mid-season conference.

In the first game set at 4:30 p.m., Blackwater (1-7) looks to land an upset anew against league-leader Rain or Shine (6-1) after logging its first win on Wednesday.

Blackwater is coming off a stunning 86-84 win over Magnolia to fan its hopes after eight games in the import-laden conference.

Fueled by a huge 93-82 victory over archrival Barangay Ginebra last Friday, the Bolts are expected to come into the Phoenix’s nest locked-and-loaded for them to keep a striking distance from league-leaders Talk ‘N Text, Rain or Shine and Alaska.

Former Best Import Arinze Onuaku spearheaded Meralco’s rebound vs tormentor Ginebra with monster numbers of 24 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks, which head coach Norman Black expects to continue against the gritty Fuel Masters.

Providing coverage for the 6’9 Onuaku are the two-headed Bolts backcourt of Chris Newsome and Baser Amer, who combined for 32 points in their last outing.

Phoenix, meanwhile, aims to vent its ire on Meralco following its tough 94-106 loss to defending champion San Miguel Beer last Friday.

Anchored on returning import Eugene Phelps, who dropped a near triple-double of 33 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists against the Beemen, the Fuel Masters of head coach Louie Alas are bent on giving Meralco a run for its money.

After a 17-point output last game, Matthew Wright is tasked to support Phelps from the wing, but he will need for partner Jeff Chan to find his mark following a meager six-point scoring to help Phoenix clinch its fourth win.

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