ACES FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL VS PACESETTING BOLTS
Meralco seeks to keep its spot atop the heap while Alaska just tries to stay alive as the two teams clash in a crucial match entering the homestretch of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday.
The Bolts (6-2) are three full games ahead of the Aces (3-5) in the standings but they are expected to figure in a tough fight with both back in the groove.
Meralco has regained good rhythm with energetic import Josh Davis back in top shape while Alaska has seemingly recovered its competitive form after a struggle in the early part of the mid-season tourney.
The Bolts and the Aces collide at 7 p.m. in a rematch of their knockout setto in the second phase of the Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
The Aces whipped the Bolts, 87-69, then rolled past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the semifinals to get a shot at the crown versus eventual champs the San Miguel Beermen.
With hardly a rest from the all-Filipino tourney and with little preparation for the second conference, no wonder Alaska is now in a bind.
The Aces gained some relief the last time with an 82-68 spanking of the Blackwater Elite.
And coach Alex Compton and his troops need to get going if they’re to avoid early elimination.
“It’s a big game for both teams. They are trying to stay alive, and we are trying to stay on track for the twice to beat advantage,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.
“Defense will be important for us as we try to limit an explosion from (Damion) James while also keeping their bigs off the offensive board. In the end, our ability to handle their full court pressure will be the key,” Black also said.
Davis, healed and recharged by their two-week break, pumped in 32 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in an explosive performance powering Meralco to a 98-85 a win over Barako Bull and back on the lead Friday.
Back to his old ways, Davis inspired his teammates as they checked a two-game skid.
“It’s nice to have Josh Davis back at 100 percent. He had a lot of activity. His energy and intensity did wonders for the team,” said Black.
“As I’ve been saying, Josh is a pretty good player. He’s not a good outside shooter but he brings a lot of energy on the table. And yes, we really wanted to get to where we were before Josh got hurt,” Black also said.
With Davis back in top shape, the Bolts were also back in top form, moving back in strong contention for the Top Two and twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.
“We got a crucial win before playing two tough games versus Alaska and Purefoods. It’s a pretty good game going to that stretch,” said Black. (SB)
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