#PBA2015 ALASKA ACES vs PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS PREVIEW: AT A CROSSROADS
With Alaska just a win away from snatching the Philippine Cup a couple of weeks ago and Purefoods crashing to earth after an historic grand slam, it seems that both clubs are on opposite trajectories and this game is a crossroads of sorts.
The Aces, despite not having power forward Gabby Espinas, surprised a lot of people by making it all the way to the Philippine Cup Finals and nearly upsetting the fancied San Miguel Beermen, who had to scramble in the last few minutes of Game 7 to win. Because of their stirring performance, the Aces have been dubbed the new never-say-die team of the league, and the expectations for them going into the next two conferences are definitely sky-high.
On the other end, expectations are a little more tempered for the Hotshots, even if they are the defending champions. They were ousted earlier than expected in the previous conference, have not yet enjoyed the services of primary import Daniel Orton, and recently failed to land the services of former assistant coach Jeff Cariaso. Needless to say, Purefoods has been dealt a ton of blows recently. How will they respond?
Here are some key things to watch in this game:
- BEAST WARS
After a sophomore slump, Calvin Abueva played his best basketball yet in the Philippine Cup. All his major stat numbers went up and he almost was able to give Alaska its first Philippine Cup title since 2000. He fell short of being named BPC in that conference, and he will surely be even more motivated to prove his true worth in the Commish Cup.
Current stats: 16.3ppg, 11.4ppg, 2.7apg, 1.2spg, 45.4 FG%.
- BIG BOSS MAN
Sonny “The Boss” Thoss’s numbers this season have gone down a bit, but he still had some shining moments in that 7-game series opposite the Beermen. He is still certainly among the best centers in the league, and can still carry this team when he’s healthy. Don’t forget that two seasons ago, he helped the Aces rule this same conference alongside Rob Dozier. Now he has a new frontcourt partner, but make no mistake, the Boss can still be very effective.
Current stats: 9.0ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.8apg, 43.1 FG%.
- MILKED UP MARKSMEN
In a conference that will be dominated by big men, Alaska’s marksmen will need to be at their best. This means guys like JV Casio, Dondon Hontiveros, and RJ Jazul have to find the bottom of the net with great consistency. As a trio, they have combined to make around 4.7 threes a game this season. That’s a pretty good number, but with most teams focusing on pounding and defending the inside, Alaska would do well to have its main shooters be even sharper this time around.
Casio stats: 9.1ppg, 31.4 3pt%, 1.5 threes per game
Hontiveros stats: 9.3ppg, 36.9 3pt%, 2.1 threes per game
Jazul stats: 5.8ppg, 31.8 3pt%, 1.1 threes per game
- IMPORT WATCH: DJ COVINGTON
Listed at 6’9 and having been known as a great leaper with unreal athletic gifts, Covington may actually remind Alaska’s fans of their former import, Rob Dozier. He’s not known to be a terrific scorer, but he more than makes up for this with his defense. He will probably not drop any 30-20 games with consistency, but look for him to be the defensive lynchpin that can help Alaska make a serious title run.
Stats in last US NCAA season: 19.3ppg, 9.2rpg, 3.2bpg, 58.7 FG%.
Stats in the Belgian league: 4.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 58.3 FG%.
- PLAYING BIGGER THAN HIS SIZE
On the other end, we have Marqus Blakely, who’s listed at just 6’5, but is definitely playing like he’s 6’9. In the Hotshots’ last game, the veteran PBA import recorded a 26-point, 19-rebound double-double on top of SEVEN BLOCKED SHOTS. He outplayed taller GlobalPort import CJ Leslie and led Purefoods to the big win. He’ll give up a lot of size again against Covington, but look for Blakely to play well just the same.
Vs GLO: 26pts, 19rebs, 7blks, 4asts, 3stls, 11/19 FGs.
PUR coach Tim Cone on Blakely: “For us, we know what to do with him. He’s like 6-9 in terms of rebounding. He had seven blocks tonight, which shows what kind of a person or athlete he is.”
- PRINCE HOTSHOT
As good as Blakely was, though, Purefoods wouldn’t have been able to win without the contributions of its top playmaker, Mark Barroca. The former FEU standout started against GlobalPort and was effective, scattering 11 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. He helped limit opposing PG Stanley Pringle to just 4 points on 2/12 FG shooting as well.
Vs GLO: 11pts, 8rebs, 2asts.
- STEPPING UP: ALEX MALLARI
Alex Mallari also stepped up big for the Hotshots. He was a surprise starter for Purefoods, but, boy, did he deliver the goods. With PJ Simon not playing, Mallari stepped in and made big buckets. He finished with 10 points while also grabbing 4 rebounds. Without a doubt, he’s one one young guy who can be a key cog for Purefoods this conference.
Phil. Cup averages: 5.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 0.8apg.
Vs GLO: 10pts, 4rebs, 2asts.
- BULLISH ON THE BOARDS
One reason Purefoods was able to beat GlobalPort was how the Hotshots just absolutely dominated on the glass. In the previous conference, Purefoods was near the bottom in terms of rebounding, but they were definitely a different team against the Batang Pier. With Blakely and Joe Devance each grabbing 11 or more boards, the Hotshots had little trouble ruling the rebounding battle.
Phil. Cup: 45.5rpg – 10th in the league
GLO: 68 rebounds, +19 vs GLO, Blakely – 19rebs, Devance – 11rebs
9. JEFF CARIASO: I CHOOSE ALASKA
After leaving the Ginebra coaching staff, Jeff Cariaso was expected by many to return to the Purefoods squad and rejoin his mentor, Tim Cone. He made a surprise move, though, by, instead, returning to his very first team — the Alaska Aces. It will probably have no direct implications on how the teams play on the court, but it’s definitely an interesting sidelight to the game and provides a colorful commentary on the dynamics of both teams.
Here is what coach Cariaso had to say (courtesy of Rey Joble/InterAKTV): “I didn’t NOT choose Coach Tim and Purefoods. I simply chose Alaska. Alaska has always been a home for me. They are close to my heart because of our history. What they believe in are the same traits I believe in – discipline, hard work and integrity to name a few. I want to say thank you to Coach Tim for giving me that option to return. My time there was my real training ground as a coach and I will always appreciate that. But last, I just want to say as I join the Alaska team. I will be joining a very intelligent and great core of coaches who all have one common goal. They already have a solid system under Coach Alex and I’m lucky to be part of it. Very lucky.”
10. PREVIOUS MEETING: A BEASTLY ROUT
In the previous and only meeting so far this season, the Alaska Aces made short work of Purefoods, 93-73. Behind the 8/13 FG shooting and 21 points of Calvin Abueva, the Aces feasted on the then Grand Slam champs. Five other Alaska cagers scored 9 or more points in that game, which saw coach Alex Compton’s wards lead by as many as 25 points.
Purefoods chose to rest Marc Pingris in that game. Ping was coming off a grueling campaign with Gilas Pilipinas in #Spain2014 and #Incheon2014. The Hotshots will surely try to bounce back here and try to reestablish themselves among the title favorites.
Last game against each other:
ALA Leaders:
Calvin Abueva – 21pts, 4rebs, 2asts, 8/13 FGs.
RJ Jazul – 11pts, 3 triples
Thoss + Manuel = 20pts and 21rebs
PUR Leaders:
James Yap – 16pts
Yousef Taha – 10pts, 11rebs, 3asts, 2stls
Barroca + Devance = 12pts on 4/14 FG shooting
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