#PBA2015 GOVS’ CUP PREVIEW: ALASKA ACES vs BLACKWATER ELITE – May 5, 2015 GAME STORY: START STRONG

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By all indications, both Alaska and Blackwater had disappointing forays in the previous conference. Alaska, coming off a Finals appearance in the Philippine Cup, finished just sixth in the standings and got eliminated in the quarterfinals. Blackwater, meanwhile, finished dead last, though they did notch their first three franchise wins.

Without a doubt, both teams are looking to do better this conference. Alaska surely wants to start strong and return to their status as title contenders, while the Elite hope to build upon their groundbreaking wins and try to avoid finishing in the cellar.

Here are some things to watch in this game:

1. DOMINANT DOUTHIT?

As one of the tallest imports this conference, Douthit is expected to be a dominant force for Blackwater. He should be even more familiar with his teammates after spending one conference with them. I also don’t really expect him to be used too much outside of the PBA (read: SEA Games), so durability shouldn’t be a huge issue. I expect big numbers from Kuya Marcus.

Season stats: 22.0ppg, 14.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, 3.1bpg.

2. HURRICANE HERUELA

Another guy who did well in the previous conference and is expected to be a strong contributor this conference is Cebu product Brian Heruela. Heruela had a slow start to the season, but he came on strong in the Commish Cup. His stats were good enough to make him one of the league’s most reliable playmakers, and it will be very interesting to see if he can continue wowing basketball fans in the Govs’ Cup.

Season stats: 10.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 1.5spg, 45.0 FG%.

3. BIG BOY BRYAN

Another dependable local player is Bryan Faundo. The former Letran Knight saw a dip in his production in the previous conference, but now that most imports are limited to just 6’5 in height, he is expected to produce strong numbers again. I don’t expect him to put up double-doubles, but he should be a good complement to Kuya Marcus up front.

Season stats: 10.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 49.5 FG%.

4. SCORE & REBOUND!!!

Two things that Blackwater didn’t do particularly well in the previous conference were to score and to rebound. The Elite finished dead last in both points per game and rebounds per game, so those are two departments they should really focus on this conference. With Marcus being taller than most players, though, Blackwater should be able to avoid the cellar in both stat categories.

BLA Scoring: 82.7ppg – last in Comm Cup

BLA Rebounding: 43.7rpg – last in Comm Cup

5. PLAY DEFENSE!!!

On the other end, the Alaska Aces have to improve their defense. The Aces didn’t really play good defense in the previous conference. Heck, they were actually in last place in points allowed per game and FG% allowed. Coach Alex Compton is certainly not beaming with pride about his team’s defense, so expect them to work extra hard at stopping their opponents’ scoring.

ALA Pts allowed: 98.4 per game – worst in Comm Cup

ALA FG% allowed: 46.1% – worst in Comm Cup

6. THE LEBRON CONNECTION

One guy to watch is ALA’s import, Romeo Travis. Travis actually played with arguably the world’s best basketball player, LeBron James, way back in high school before going to college and being a journeyman import abroad. He was pretty successful as an import in his years in Israel and the Balkan International Basketball League, but his latest stint with BC Krasny Oktyabr of Russia wasn’t as rosy. He normed around 14 points and 7 rebounds for the team in the 2014-2015 Eurocup. That’s decent production, but that won’t cut it in the PBA, where imports are expected to be constant 20-10 machines.

Stats

BC Krasny Oktyabr (Eurocup): 14.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.4spg, 31.8 3pt%, 54.6 FG%

7. ACES NEED THE BEAST

Without a doubt, Alaska will only really go as far as Calvin Abueva takes it. The Beast’s production dipped in the second conference, but getting a lot of rest may just work in his favor as he is expected to bounce back strong in the Govs’ Cup. If he can be the all-around demon everybody knows he can be, then the Aces should be a serious title threat this conference.

Season stats: 14.5ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.5apg, 45.1 FG%

Comm Cup stats: 10.5ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.1apg, 44.3 FG%

8. WILL THE REAL JV CASIO PLEASE STAND UP?

One guy who has seemingly disappeared this season for Alaska is former national team point guard JV Casio. Due to injury and the emergence of guys like Chris Banchero and RJ Jazul, Casio’s production has really gone south this season. If Alaska hopes to return to the top, however, they will need Casio to rediscover his old form and once again be among the league’s best floor generals.

Last season stats: 12.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 43.5 FG%, 38.3 3pt%

Current season stats: 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 37.2 FG%, 30.6 3pt%

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