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It’s now or probably never for the Alaska Aces.

Denied outright passage to the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel a few days ago, the Aces try once more Friday against a team even more dangerous than the Kings.

Despite the absence of a 6-foot-11 shot-swatter and a 6-foot-10 rim-bender, Rain or Shine is perhaps the most feared opponent in the league, mainly because of two indomitable forces – the explosive Paul Lee and the mercurial Yeng Guiao, the headstrong Elasto Painters coach.

This isn’t lost on Alex Compton, the Aces mentor, whose affable demeanor masks a fiery competitor and a seething presence.

“Our game against Rain or Shine is really like a quarterfinals series in one day. It should be an excellent game for the fans,” said Compton, who quietly endured a 101-92 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

That loss, Alaska’s second in 10 games, stalled its entry to the best-of-7 semis and shook it off its perch where it was tied with erstwhile co-leader San Miguel Beer.

At 4:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Aces gun for the coveted spot a second time against a team even more tenacious and physical than the Kings and armed with missiles calibrated for longer distances.

“Obviously, they are (Painters) one of the best teams in the league over the past years, and they are playing the best basketball in the PBA right now,” said Compton. “Coach Yeng (Guiao) knows how to lead his guys in these kinds of games and the players always seem ready. We hope to put our best effort yet on the floor.”

The Aces will need every ounce of their best effort to avert a disastrous loss which would have dire consequences.

Not only would Rain or Shine seize second spot away from Alaska, a third team, Talk ‘N Text, at solo fourth with a 7-3 card, could come charging and complicate matters even more.

It would warm Compton’s heart though to hear Guiao’s thoughts ahead of their game.

“Semis slot is at stake,” said Guiao. “Alaska is formidable this conference, they’ve found a formula for winning. They’ve adopted a new system away from a deliberate half court triangle to a motion offense with a pressing defense. We have to find an antidote if we want this semis slot. If not, we just have to do it the long and hard way.”

The antidote could be administered by any of Rain or Shine’s slam-bang defenders, from Jireh Ibanes to Ryan Arana and Jericho Cruz, on Alaska’s trigger-quick shooters like Cyrus Baguio, Jayvee Casio, RJ Jasul and Dondon Hontiveros. It will be interesting then to find out how the Aces will get their offense loose.

One major focal point will revolve around Alaska dervish Calvin Abueva who could be boon or bane for the Elasto Painters depending on his mood come game time.

Another factor with be Alaska’s 6-foot-8 center Sonny Thoss who could have his way inside should the Aces shooters find their mark early and an unleashed Abueva churns up a storm.

Burly Beau Belga and reedy Raymond Almazan will have their hands full. (WJRHT)

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