JOINT LEADERS CLASH
Both well-rested and pumped-up, joint leaders Alaska and Rain or Shine square off Friday, disputing a guaranteed playoff shot at No. 2 spot at the close of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.
It’s a Friday super treat at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, an awaited rematch between two teams whose initial duel ended with an inconclusive outcome.
The Aces barely stole the game, 83-81, on an endgame blitzkrieg.
That was the first game in the conference for the Aces and the Elasto Painters, who both have made a steady run since then, and lead the field entering the homestretch of the elims.
Their rematch could already be a battle for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said it’s a pleasant surprise they’ve got a shot at the top.
“It’s a big game Friday. We’re not really expecting to be in the No. 1 or No. 2 spot, but we knew we’re semis contenders because we made the All-Filipino Finals,” he said.
“We have control of our destiny. It’s there for us. We’ll try to take it,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo of their chance to finish at first or second.
Both teams pulled off a stirring win the last time out to prime up for their face-off.
For the nth time, Bruno Sundov got into foul trouble but the Rain or Shine locals stood their ground, overcoming Michael Dunigan’s 34-point production as the Elasto Painters stopped the Air21 Express, 94-83, on Easter Sunday.
On Holy Wednesday, the Aces erased the memory of their 83-84 loss to the San Mig Coffee Mixers with a crucial 92-84 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters.
All indications point to a battle, especially with both coaches saying they would treat the match as a playoff game.
The winner gains solo lead at 9-3 while the loser moves down to second, at 8-4 within reach of at least two teams in Petron (6-4) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (6-5).
Despite Sundov’s penchant at getting into foul trouble, Guiao said they’re sticking with him all the way.
“We don’t entertain thoughts of having Bruno replaced even if there are issues about him (on fouls). That can be resolved,” said Guiao.
Trillo likewise said Rob Dozier is here to stay, allaying fears he would be replaced as Adam Parada showed up behind the Aces’ bench in their last game. (SB)
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