IT'S Manila Classico in Sunday's PBA Governors Cup and with an added incentive at stake.
Defending champion Barangay Ginebra and Star clash in a titanic duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the winner earning the top spot in the season-ending tournament.
The two teams go to the 6:30 p.m. encounter coming fresh from contrasting fates.
The Hotshots suffered their first loss of the meet a week ago at the expense of Rain or Shine, 92-88, that ended their four-game winning run.
The Kings, on the other hand, trampled Phoenix, 105-92, to stretch their winning skein to five as against a single loss.
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Both teams remain in striking distance, with Ginebra tied with Meralco on top at 5-1, and Star just behind at second with its 4-1 card.
Their respective standings certainly make up for a thrilling match-up in this latest encounter between the league's two long-time rivals.
"There's always a buzz in the air at practice when we're preparing for the Manila Classico. It's an exciting time. It's especially true now since both teams are on equal footing and playing good basketball," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
The game marks the first time the Kings will be playing since pulling the trigger on the trade that dealt Chris Ellis and Dave Marcelo to Blackwater for Art dela Cruz and Raymund Aguilar.
Dela Cruz won't still be available to play as he continues to rehabilitate from an operation to repair his torn Achilles tendon, although Aguilar is already certain to suit up in a bid to add heft and height to the Kings' already formidable frontcourt, which would be in full display opposite the quick backcourt of the Hotshots.
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"It will be a classic battle of our size versus their quickness," stressed Cone.
"The winner will be in good shape for the race to the Top 4."
A win by the Hotshots will have them regaining a piece of the leadership along with Meralco, while a Ginebra victory propels the reigning champion alone at the top.
