The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will try to extend its two-game winning streak and solidify its hold of second place in the Philippine Cup when it faces NorthPort Batang Pier at 7 p.m. Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Elasto Painters (4-1) are coming off back-to-back wins over the San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces. Coach Caloy Garcia said the defensive focus will be on the Batang Pier's new backcourt tandem of Stanley Pringle and rookie Robert Bolick. "We have to try to limit the touches of Stan and Bolick because they run their system so well," Garcia said. "We have to make them play on a halfcourt pace. They are so good on the open court." James Yap through five games is after averaging 15.8 points per contest, his highest since averaging16.7 points in the 2012 season while he was with B-Meg (now Magnolia). The Batang Pier (2-1) are coming off a 12-day layoff. Unbeaten slate at stake The Phoenix Fuel Masters carries a perfect record into the first game of the night against the streaking NLEX Road Warriors. Calvin Abueva, Matthew Wright and Justin Chia continue to lead the Fuel Masters (4-0), while Alex Mallari and Dave Marcelo will be facing their former team for the first time since being traded by NLEX late last year. NLEX has won its last two games after opening the season with a 0-3 start. The Road Warriors will try to claim a third straight win but this time without guard Kevin Alas, who suffered an ACL tear on his knee in the 87-83 win against Meralco Bolts last week. Phoenix coach Louie Alas said NLEX's tall frontcourt -- Poy Erram, JR Quinahan, Marion Magat and rookie Kris Porter -- will be the main concern. "We're eyeing to deny them every possession," Alas said. "Super talented, super athletic, plus dangerous ang three-point shooting nila."
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