A back-to-back win that has so far eluded them this season is what Alaska Milk hopes to use as springboard in its history-defying defense of the PBA All-Filipino Cup championship when it faces slumping Formula Shell today at the Araneta Coliseum.

Their eyes wide open to the fact that no team has successfully defended the All-Filipino title since Great Taste last did the trick in 1984 and 1985, the 2-2 Alaskans are hoping that a victory over the 1-3 Zoom Masters in their 5:15 p.m. set would spark off another win streak reminiscent of their campaign last season which ended with them cornering a rare grand slam.

A follow-up to their impressive 79-56 rout of the Zoom Masters in San Fernando last week is similarly what undermanned San Miguel Beer eyes as it tackles a Mobiline squad that has been dishing off impressive performances since rejuvinating its line up with a new coach and a clutch of role players.

The San Miguel Beer-Mobiline duel is set at 7:30 p.m.

After winning its season opening game against the Cellulars last Feb. 16, Alaska has lost successively -- 88-96 to Pop Cola in overtime and 63-88 to Purefoods in an ugly rout -- before redeeming itself with a 99-91 conquest of the then previously unbeaten Gordon's Gin last Sunday.

It was one victory which Alaska coach Tim Cone particularly liked since it sort of put the pep back into his boys. And in their bid for their first back-to-back wins against the Zoom Masters, the energetic Alaska mentor likes his chances.

Alaska has won its last six meetings against Shell dating back to last year's Game 7 of the Commissioners Cup finals. The Alaskans were 5-0 against Shell in last year's season-ending Governors Cup including a 3-0 sweep of the semifinals.

Shell, on the other hand is experiencing its worst start under coach Chito Narvasa. The Zoom Masters had 4-1 records in their first five games in the All-Filipino Cup of the last two seasons.

Shell's best finish in the All-Filipino in the 1990s was fifth (1995 and 1996) all under Narvasa.

Although the Cellulars have yet to win over the Beermen in nine meetings dating back to the 1995 All-Filipino Cup, tonight's game should be interesting since this will mark the first time that Mobiline head coach Norman Black and player Franz Pumaren will be going up against their former team.

Black, following their victory over Pop Cola Tuesday was however quick to point out that "it's just another game."

March 05,1997
Mobiline buries troubled Pop Cola deeper in the cellar.

Pumaren's `firing' denied; cagers blamed.

March 04,1997
Gordon's Gin, Sta. Lucia clash in battle of leaders.

Pumaren on his way out?

March 03,1997
Alaska stops Gordon's streak.

Jaworski charms PBA reporters.

Alaska halts Gordon's streak.

March 02,1997
Gordon's Gin tests Alaska mettle today.

March 01,1997
PureFoods rips Alaska Milkmen, 88-63.

Gordon's stays sparkling clear.

New twist in Jacobs-BCAP case.

PBA twinbill in Pampanga.

February 28,1997
Gordon's Gin eyes 3rd straight win.

February 27,1997
PBA, BAP talks slated?

San Mig is the best-coached team in the PBA --Chot Reyes.