MANILA, Philippines – Expect a bruising, defensive game Sunday when streaking Purefoods battle Alaska in the initial offering of another Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup doubleheader at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Limiting their opponents to less than 80 points the last two outings, the Giants emerged victorious in both games, including a come-from-behind 82-78 win over Burger King.

“Big game for us," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio. “Our goal is to finish in the top two after the classification round. Every win counts and a win draw us nearer to that goal."

Purefoods is currently tied with Talk ‘N Text for fourth to fifth spots in the 10-team standings, and a triumph over Alaska would enable the franchise to leap-frog Rain or Shine at third spot.

It can even grab solo second place if it wins and Sta. Lucia loses to the Barako Bull in the second game.

Alaska, though, appears to be getting back its old deadly form after snapping a three-game losing skid the other night, beating Barako Bull, 100-90.

The Aces likewise beat the Giants in the first round of the preliminaries, 94-84.

Coach Tim Cone has already given up on the idea that they could still finish at third or fourth spot after the preliminaries, but is aiming to end up within fifth to eighth spots.

“Do we still have a chance at three and four? I guess not. Right now, we’re thinking of the playoffs and we do not obviously want to finish ninth and 10th."

The Realtors, on the other hand, hope to bounce back from a painful loss to Talk ‘N Text, trying to vent their ire on the Energy Boosters.

Sta. Lucia lost to the Tropang Texters 97-91 on Wednesday, dropping behind by as many as 34 points and falling short of pulling off a stunning reversal. – GMANews.TV