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BOLTS, ACES BRING OUT HARD HATS

ALAS-mer baguio

IT’S time to bring out the hard hats and buckle down to serious work anew.

That is what should be expected Tuesday when Meralco and Alaska collide in a PBA Governors’ Cup match expected to highlight each team’s blue-collar work ethics at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gametime is at 4:15 p.m.

Both the Aces and Bolts have their eyes on not only inclusion among the eight quarterfinalists at the end of the 11-game eliminations but a top four finish, which carries with it a win-once advantage in the next round.

Alaska is closer to its twin goals since it is currently at third-running spot, while Meralco is a full game behind, but only after racking up back-to-back wins.

Aces coach Alex Compton sure is expecting a tough, long game for his crew. “Tomorrow’s game will be intensely fought,” he said.

“Meralco is consistently one of the hardest-working teams since coach Norman (Black) took over, a true testament to him. Working hard alone will not get it done for us since Meralco will surely bring great effort. We have to play smart, disciplined basketball and be ready to adjust since one of the best coaches in PBA history has had a week to prepare for us.”

It works both ways and how the protagonists weather the hard-nosed game each is sure to dish out on both ends of the court would be the focal point.

Especially Meralco, which has shown it could scrap with the best of them and come out on top, like what it did in topping Philippine Cup titlist San Miguel Beer, defending champion Star and recent Commissioner’s Cup winner Talk N Text in earlier games.

“We will have to continue to display the energy and hustle versus the speed and quickness of the Alaska team for us to come out on top,” said Black.

“Our ability to break their defensive pressure and get into our offense smoothly will be the main key. Also defending their three-point shooters will be important,” added Black.

Alaska’s defense was at its sharpest in its most recent game against Kia, holding the Carnival to a tournament low in points for a 101-63 thrashing last Friday.

The Aces’ offense also fed off their ability to make stops, resulting in a balanced offensive that saw five players finishing with at least 11 points each.

For its part, Meralco has basically adapted to playing without a true center while remaining true to its old team trait of being a scrambler for most parts of the game. This was typified most in a 119-85 dismantling of TNT last Tuesday, when the Bolts had more points in transition, in the shaded lanes and putbacks.

Main concern for Alaska coach Alex Compton should be on how to contain Meralco import Andre Emmett, who has been averaging 34.0 points, 10.86 points, almost four assists and over two steals a game.

The Aces have their own threats in Romeo Travis (24.7 points, 12.43 rebounds), Jayvee Casio (11.0 points) and Chris Banchero (10.29 points) while looking at the likes of Cyrus Baguio, Vic Manuel, Dondon Hontiveros, RJ Jazul and Calvin Abueva to deliver when needed. (NC)

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