Energy, defense keys as Aces, Batang Pier look to break tie

Alaska Milk and Globalport break the one-game standoff in their Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal playoff in what could be an even fiercer duel than the one they fought it out the last time.

Lines have been crossed, and neither team is expected to back down from a brewing all out battle.

The Aces and the Batang Pier are both determined to go all out as they clash in Game Three at 7 p.m. Friday back at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

With everybody spared of suspension from the ugly incident in game 2, both teams will have all their players at their disposal as they dispute the decisive head start in what is now a best-of-five showdown.
The Aces tied the series after two games in winning their rough-and-tumble tiff Wednesday, 100-76.

Through much tension, the Aces flaunted their brand of game Wednesday, thus, stopping the Batang Pier’s searing three-game playoff run and forcing the 1-1 deadlock.

“Mr. Hyde showed up in Game One and Dr. Jekyll in Game Two,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton of their huge turnaround from their poor showing in the series opener Monday.

“It’s obvious we’re a lot more energetic in Game Two. We’re so slow in Game One, and that’s not to take anything away from Globalport dominating us then,” Compton also said.

Compton insists playing with a sustained effort and energy would be the key to stop Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle and their teammates.

On Wednesday, the Aces put the cuffs on Romeo in the second half, an important factor in their fightback from their 93-107 loss in Game One.

With Romeo in check, the Aces pounded the Batang Pier, 28-16, in the third quarter and, 25-16, in the final canto.

“Energy. Defense. That’s very evident in the numbers,” said Compton.

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