ACES GUN FOR 1ST FINALS BERTH
One game separates the Alaska Aces from doing the Last Dance in their first tourney under their rookie bench chieftain
Alex Compton and his Aces try to hurdle that last obstacle, going for the kill versus the beleaguered Rain or Shine team in the fourth game of their PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-five semifinal showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Thursday night.
The Aces have two chances to close out the series, but they would be glad to end it in Game Four to give Henry Walker a longer time to rest his bruised elbow before plunging back into action in the title playoff — if ever.
With the momentum and psychological advantage on their side following their crucial Game Three victory, the Aces try to wrap things up in Game Four — their fifth game with the E-Painters after alternately beating each other in their first four matches in the season-ending tourney.
The Aces hope to break the win-loss-win-loss trend in their battles, seeking a second straight win that will send them back to the Finals after their title run with import Rob Dozier in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup.
Compton said the key would be to sustain the aggressiveness, toughness and focus that his team has shown in taking Game Three, 104-94.
“Walang reason para magpahinga. You do that when the season is over,” said Compton.
“Wala ring reason para umangal sa physicality of the series. It’s playoff time. Maraming banggaang mangyayari at part iyon ng playoffs,” Compton also said.
Henry Walker played with great focus Tuesday night, bucking his injured elbow to lead the Aces to the win and the pivotal 2-1 lead in the race-to-three series.
The Elasto Painters, however, are not about to panic, confident they can send the series to a deciding Game Five.
“We just have to come out with a lot more intensity than we did in Game Three. Alaska outworked us and we did not have the same desire we showed in Game Two,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
“We are not discouraged though. We had a good practice (Wednesday) and we will be more ready in Game Four,” Guiao also said.
Guiao said they’re not alarmed as they are prepared for a grind-out series.
“We never expected an easy series,” he said.
But again, Guiao said they have to match Alaska’s intensity and energy if they’re to extend the series to the full distance.
“Whoever is the more aggressive team and more intense has the advantage. That’s been the story of our series,” Guiao pointed out.
Walker was the big difference in Game Three as he played above pain and the physicality of the match, coming through with 26 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.
“(I’m) just proud of Henry because he came out and battled with pain and all,” said Compton.
But Guiao is expected to bring back Gabe Norwood in a bid to neutralize the Alaska import. Norwood, suffering an ankle sprain in Game One, suited up Tuesday but was kept on the bench by Guiao.
With Norwood confined to the bench, Walker was a big match-up problem for Rain or Shine in their last two games.
Alaska dominated Rain or Shine in Game Three as Walker and his local teammates pulled a big game together. (SB)
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