STRUGGLING teams Barako Bull and Globalport clash in an all important match that could determine their playoff hopes in the opener of the PBA Governors Cup road show on Sunday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
Barako Bull is out to put an end to its five-game skid, hopeful that new import Allen Durham can help resuscitate the team’s sagging fortune, starting with its 3 p.m. match against Globalport.
Both squads are currently mired at the bottom of the standings with their similar 1-5 win-loss records.
Durham, listed at 6-4, is replacing Eric Wise, who, despite posting solid numbers of 28.6 points, 14.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals, could only help the Energy to one victory under new coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Wise debuted with 33 points and 16 rebounds to help the Energy to a 95-94 victory over the Meralco Bolts, before dropping their last five assignments.
Durham is coming off a stint with Nantes in France, where he averaged 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 44 games.
The Energy will be facing a Batang Pier that has lost their last four outings, including an 82-97 loss to league-leader Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on Friday.
Globalport coach Pido Jarencio said the team’s modest goal now is to win two of its last three assignments to at least grab possibly the eighth spot heading to the playoffs.
“Three wins ang target namin. Tingin ko safe na yun,” said Jarencio, whose two remaining games after Barako Bull include Air21 and Meralco.
Fil-Am forward Jay Washington is still a game-time decision after missing the match against Talk ‘N Text due to tonsilitis.
Newly-acquired veteran big man Yancy de Ocampo could possibly miss the rest of the eliminations due to a broken nose, according to Globalport team manager BJ Manalo.
The 6-8 De Ocampo, one of three new players the Batang Pier acquired a few days ago in a three-team, seven-player trade, injured his nose in practice while he was still with San Mig.
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