Game today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. – Alaska vs Meralco
MANILA, Philippines - Deadlock at eight games all.
That’s the record of Alaska Milk and Meralco in their head-on matches dating back to 2010, hinting at a battle royal in their knockout duel for a semifinal berth in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
Alaska was at its best, catching Meralco at its off-night as the Aces annihilated the Bolts, 105-64, in their elimination-round encounter last October.
But better throw that out of the window. No one is taking that into consideration in this game.
There’s no more twice-to-beat advantage here. It’s a no-tomorrow game where the loser plays its next game next conference.
Game time is at 5 p.m. with the winner advancing to the Final Four versus Rain or Shine.
Talk n Text and Barangay Ginebra clash in the other do-or-die quarterfinal match on Tuesday with the victor setting up a semis confrontation with San Miguel Beer.
Despite their rout of Meralco in the elims – the most lopsided in the tourney – Alaska coach Alex Compton himself has much concern versus coach Norman Black and his Meralco team.
“That team causes us much problem. Baka pwedeng bye na lang kami sa semis,” said Compton of Meralco which made a big achievement in the first stage of the quarterfinals by ending the league domination of four-peat champ Purefoods.
“It was a nice win over Purefoods but the only thing that matters now is winning versus Alaska and advancing to the semis,” said Black, looking to give Meralco a breakthrough win right in his first conference with the team.
“It will be a tough task but that is the goal,” Black pointed out.
“We must keep them (Aces) off the offensive boards, and it’s important that we break their full court defensive pressure,” Black also said.
Both teams actually thrive playing intense, rugged basketball. That’s the name of the game for Alaska star Calvin Abueva and for Meralco’s Cliff Hodge, Sean Anthony, Jared Dillinger and Reynel Hugnatan.
The Bolts feed on enthusiasm and energy to offset lack of ceiling.
In terms of manpower, Alaska is definitely more balanced and versatile with frontliners Sonny Thoss, Eric Menk, Vic Manuel, Sam Eman and Abueva, and backcourt guys Cyrus Baguio, Dondon Hontiveros, Jvee Casio, RJ Jazul, Chris Banchero and Tony dela Cruz.
The Aces wavered at the close of the elims, suffering crucial losses to the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, but they have recovered with their 82-78 win over the NLEX Road Warriors in the initial stage of the quarterfinals Thursday.
Compton took responsibility for their losses to the Kings and the E-Painters. “It’s on me,” he said.
The Bolts ride the momentum of a three-game streak going to their rematch with the Aces.
Others likely to take charge for Meralco are Gary David, Mike Cortez, Mark Macapagal and Danny Ildefonso.