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Factors to decide close Alaska-Star series
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So much can be written on the rivalry of Alaska and Star.
And its latest installment promises to live up to the teams’ past duels, as the two sides are set to meet again in the semifinals of the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Top-seed Alaska seamlessly disposed of Ginebra in its quarterfinals series, while Star had to weather a twice-to-win disadvantage against GlobalPort to advance to the Final Four.
However, as contrasting as their paths may have been to get to where they are today, for Barako Bull coach Koy Banal, the duel is just too close to call.
Loud and proud vs nice and easy
There’s no denying that Marqus Blakely has been the shot in the arm the Hotshots have relied on for majority of the conference.
Averaging 23.2 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.7 steals, and 2.7 blocks, the former Best Import awardee has been doing it all for Star, which has enabled the fifth-seed to get to the semifinals.
In comparison, Romeo Travis has been the silent assassin for the Aces, as he has normed 24.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 steals, all to help Alaska snag the number one-seed in the playoffs.
Though their impact in the game is felt in different ways, Banal sees it as an equal matchup between the imports.
“Travis knows when to score, and when that time comes, he’ll score,” the Barako Bull coach said. “It’s an even matchup because they both have workhorse imports. They will walk the extra mile to help their teams win.”
The Abueva factor
Another key Banal sees which he thinks will be a vital piece in this series will be the involvement of Calvin Abueva.
The Beast hasn’t really been bringing eye-popping numbers for Alaska, averaging only 8.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the conference. However, his presence has been a huge jolt for the Aces, as evidenced in their quarterfinal pairing against Ginebra.
“This series possesses such a high level of emotion. One team has a player which feeds his team with his energy and emotion – that’s Calvin Abueva,” he said.
“You saw what he did in the Ginebra game. They were down by 15 and then the scuffle ensued. Next thing you know, Alaska is already leading by 10. They feed off him and his energy is contagious.”
Banal said that it’s important for Star to not get too caught up with Abueva’s antics and to learn from the Gin Kings’ mistakes.
“If Star gives in, they’re doomed,” he said.
Race to the finish
There’s no shortage in motivation between the two teams in this series.
Of course, the storied history between Tim Cone and the Aces still persists.
Alaska, meanwhile, slammed the door shut on the Hotshots’ chances for the twice-to-beat edge, resting their key guys and letting the third stringers play bulk of the minutes in its last game in the eliminations, a loss which gave GlobalPort the fourth-seed.
The Hotshots were obviously disappointed with that move, which doubly motivated the players going into the playoffs.
And for Banal, it will boil down on to which team can keep its emotions in check.
“The will to win is no longer the question,” he said. “We’ve seen it in the quarterfinals of Alaska against Ginebra, where it was down but was able to turn things around and win it. Same with Star beating GlobalPort twice. The question of who wants it more is no longer question. It’s now on who will be able to hold their emotions and activity level.”
Banal observed that Tim Cone and Alex Compton’s emphasis on ball and player movement is quite similar, saying, “They’re basically running the same system, which is the motion offense. Both of their assists-to-turnover ratios are among the bests in the league and their emphasis on a team-oriented system is very evident.”
Alaska ranks second in the league when it comes to assists with 20.42 per game, while Star is at sixth with 18.69 dimes per outing.
The Barako Bull coach also noted the similarity in the defense, saying, “Both teams employ the full court press making their opponents really work hard offensively. They control the tempo of the game.”
The press has allowed both teams to notch high marks in points off turnovers, with Alaska topping the league with 18.08 points and Star with 16.85 points at third.
The supposed coaching edge to Star also is thrown out of the window, as Banal noted, “Both are great coaches and motivators. They’re positive and theu give their teams the values they need. These are the intangibles. It’s not about the x and o’s anymore.”
Seeing it as an even fight between the two teams, Banal did not give an edge to either, but rather gave a conditional scenario.
“Personally, whichever team can sustain their high activity level and will have the composure, I think that team will win.”
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