#PBA2015 PREVIEW: MERALCO BOLTS vs ALASKA ACES – STAY AT THE TOP OR CLIMB FROM THE BOTTOM?

Both these teams are coming off impressive victories in their previous games, and both are surely looking to continue their winning ways, especially as we near the end of the elims. Meralco just beat the Barako Bull Energy to remain on top of the standings. The Bolts certainly want to stay at that position and a win here can solidify their hold at the top spot. Alaska, meanwhile, just won over Blackwater to remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth, but the departure of Gabby Espinas and health issues hamper the Aces’ chances. A win here should give them the boost they need to climb further from the bottom .

Here are some things to watch out for in this game:

1. DAVIS THE DOMINATOR

Josh Davis has been nothing short of spectacular for Meralco this conference. Right now he is third overall in rebounding, second overall in steals, fifth overall in blocks and has the lowest turnover rate of all imports. Needless to say, he also leads MER in scoring. He had another monster game against BAR a few days ago and he looks to continue stamping his class against the Aces.

Comm Cup stats: 21.4ppg, 16.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2.5spg, 1.3bpg, 47.1 FG%

vs BAR: 32pts, 19rebs, 3asts, 1stl, 2blks, 12/19 FGs

2. HUGOT NI HUGNATAN

Some people shook their heads in disbelief when Hugnatan was named one of the All-Stars this season, but the 36-year-old Negrense proved that he was deserving in the Bolts’ previous game. Ranged against the likes of Solomon Alabi, JC Intal, and Dave Marcelo, Hugnatan shone, scoring 21 points on 9/14 FG shooting. If he can continue being a reliable offensive threat, then MER has a strong chance of keeping its top billing in the PBA.

Comm Cup stats: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 48.0 FG%

vs BAR: 21pts, 6rebs, 9/14 FGs.

3. POTENT GRANADA

Another guy who did pretty well in MER’s previous game was El Granada Gary David. He drilled in 50% of his FG attempts on his way to 14 points. That’s actually below his average this conference, but his mere presence kept the BAR defense honest and enabled his teammates to have clearer paths to the basket. If David can catch fire against ALA, this might be over quickly.

Season stats: 14.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, 43.9 FG%, 37.5 3pt%

Comm Cup stats: 20.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, 50.4 FG%, 48.6 3pt%

4. SUFFOCATING DEFENSE

One big aspect of MER’s game that really came to the fore against BAR was defense. MER was able to limit erstwhile dominant BAR import Solomon Alabi to only 14 points in that game, and they held BAR to just 8% shooting from the three-point area and forced them to commit 16 turnovers. If MER can limit Damion James in this game and shackle ALA’s other scorers, too, then the Bolts shouldn’t have much trouble.

MER is the top-rated defensive team in the league right now, allowing just 85.5ppg (1st overall).

3pt% allowed: 23.9% (1st)

Fastbreak pts allowed: 7.8ppg (1st)

Turnover pts allowed: 10.0ppg (1st)

5. DJ DELIVERS

One guy MER will have to look out for, of course, is Damion James, who has been great for ALA. He hits 2 triples per game for the Aces and has been super solid in every other aspect. In their previous game, James recorded 29 points and 22 rebounds as ALA beat BLA. He didn’t shoot to well from the field, but as long as he can control the boards, ALA should have a chance here.

Comm Cup stats: 30.3ppg, 16.3rpg, 3.0apg, 2.0spg, 2.0bpg, 2.3 triples per game, 34.6 3pt%

6. BUENISIMO BANCHERO

Fil-Italian Banchero has had an up-and-down freshman year in the PBA, but in ALA’s previous game he delivered. He dropped a dozen markers on 5/7 FG shooting to record an efficient outing for the Aces. If he can continue playing buenisimo basketball for ALA’s second unit, the Aces have a great chance here.

*Buenisimo in Italian means “very good.”

Comm Cup stats: 7.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 40.8FG%

vs BLA: 12pts, 2rebs, 1ast, 1stl, 5/7 FG%

7. POST-ESPINAS ERA

The Aces just traded one of their best bigs, Gabby Espinas, to the GlobalPort Batang Pier for former Ateneo big man Noy Baclao and a possible top-tier pick in 2017. The Aces could afford to do this because Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel have been productive, but they also want a shot at good draft positioning in the potentially talent-rich 2017 PBA Draft.

Espinas season stats: 3.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 47.6 FG%

Potential 2017 blue-chip picks:

– Mac Belo (FEU)

– Jeron Teng (DLSU)

– Bradwyn Guinto (SSC)

– Jio Jalalon (AU)

8. BAGUIO BOGGED DOWN

If Hugnatan was able to prove he deserved an All-Star slot, one guy who failed to live up to expectations was Cyrus Baguio, who laid a big fat egg his first game back from All-Star Weekend. This was his first scoreless game of the conference. Obviously, the Aces need him to play better against a streaking MER five.

Comm Cup stats: 8.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1spg, 38.0 FG%

vs BLA: 0pts, 0rebs, 0asts, 1stl, 0/5 FGs

9. MARQUEE MATCH-UP: ABUEVA VS HODGE

The key match-up will be between former D-League teammates and 2012 draftees Calvin Abueva and Cliff Hodge. Both have had their share of ups and downs this conference, and both are definitely hoping to outdo the other in this game. These are two of the most athletic players in the league and two that possess seemingly unending motor. It’ll be interesting to see who gets the better of whom.

Abueva season stats: 14.6ppg, 10.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, 45.1 FG%

Hodge season stats: 10.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.0apg, 45.1 FG%

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