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TOP-SEED KINGS BATTLE INSPIRED ACES
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The last time Barangay Ginebra San Miguel topped the elimination round, it went on all the way to the mountaintop – winning the last of its three all-Filipino crowns.
It has been seven long years.
With a cast comparable to the 2006-07 Kings roster, the current Ginebra team looks well capable of repeating the franchise’s last Philippine Cup championship conquest.
Mark Caguioa and company try to make the first step in the playoffs, taking their first of two shots at the Final Four of the 2014 PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup versus Alaska at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Healthy, fresh and motivated, the Kings are highly favored against an Alaska side hit by injuries and playing a third game in four days.
What could be the downside for Ginebra is the negative vibe of its half-hearted showing in its no-bearing game against Talk n Text Sunday.
The Aces, on the other hand, are tired but fired up by their back-to-back wins in do-or-die matches with the Barako Bull Energy and the Meralco Bolts.
Considering all their circumstances, Alaska coach Luigi Trillo said they relish where they are now, loving the opportunity to score a king-sized upset.
“Yes we are against a team that is the deepest in my mind on paper. They have it all – talent, size, athleticism and depth. They have a good coaching staff. They have everything going for them this year,” said Trillo.
“But we are thankful for the opportunity to be in this position. We will have to battle through attrition and some of our injuries particularly Calvin (Abueva). We’re not the favorites here for sure, but upset is worth battling for,” he added.
Abueva is doubtful with a right foot injury. It’s fresh and clear in the Aces’ minds, though, that they pulled through in their last two games with Abueva playing miniscule minutes.
But of course Ginebra is Ginebra. The Aces have to contain a battery of Ginebra players on the floor and have to silent the Ginebra throng in the gallery.
On the shoulders of Sonny Thoss and Gabby Espinas lie the challenge to neutralize Ginebra giants Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.
Alaska could match up well with Ginebra in the backcourt and wing spots.
Interesting are the matchups between Jvee Casio and LA Tenorio, Cyrus Baguio and Mark Caguioa and Dondon Hontiveros and Mac Baracael.
Engaging in a battle of wits are Luigi Trillo and Ato Agustin who are both chasing a second PBA crown. (SB)
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