MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk and Meralco, coming off auspicious season debuts, shoot for a second straight win as they play Talk n Text and Blackwater, respectively, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
The Aces used a relentless full-court press to humble the reigning four-peat champs Purefoods Star Hotshots, 93-73, while the Bolts showed poise and toughness in beating the Barako Bull Energy, 112-108, in a grueling double-overtime battle Wednesday.
Meralco is fancied to make it two in a row versus Blackwater in their 4:15 p.m. tiff while Alaska is determined to go all-out in its expected slam-bang game with Talk n Text at 7 p.m.
The Bolts and the Aces gun for a share of the lead with the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the San Miguel Beermen while the Texters are out to move up to at least Top Four as they seek a follow-up on their 103-81 rout of the NLEX Road Warriors Friday.
Blackwater, meanwhile, takes its third shot at nailing a first PBA win after blowing big leads in sorry losses to Kia and Rain or Shine.
But focus will be on the Aces, who showed the most impressive form in its season debut.
“We really prepared hard for that game,” said Alaska playmaker Jvee Casio.
Abandoning triangle offense for a relentless gung-ho game, the Aces stole the thunder from the Hotshots who earlier in that Wednesday play date received their rings for their 2013-14 grand slam season.
“It’s a great start obviously. We’re up against a great team under the best coach in the league. But we also have to admit we beat them without Marc Pingris,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
“Marc Pingris is the No. 1 energy guy in the league and that’s a big thing. Since he’s out, our bigs took advantage,” Compton added.
The Aces pressed on defense relentlessly, forcing the Hotshots to 24 errors. And Alaska beat Purefoods Star, 17-2, on points off turnovers.
“I love the energy of our guys. From the start, it was there, and we had to slow them down as they’re committing turnovers on over-eagerness,” said Compton.
As they settled down, the Aces seized control, 43-29, at the half and sustained the effort through the final half, leading by as many as 25 at 89-64.
With tremendous effort, the Aces dominated practically on all fronts of the game, winning the rebounding battle, 48-40; playmaking, 15-12; and steals, 8-6.
Calvin Abueva topscored with 21 points with RJ Jazul and Vic Manuel firing 11 apiece and Casio, Dondon Hontiveros and Sonny Thoss adding nine each.