Alaska, NLEX in key clash
Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Where Alaska and NLEX start off in the Oppo-PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs would only be known Friday at the end of the elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scenarios remain a-plenty and the Tropang TNT-San Miguel Beer game later in the evening will help decide the placings. But for sure the combatants need that all-important victory not only to have some momentum going but also to know their rankings in the ensuing eight-team quarterfinals.
“This is a crucial date before the playoffs,” stated Alaska coach Alex Compton. “According to my calculations we can end up anywhere from tied for second to seventh.”
The stakes are a bit higher for NLEX, currently at seventh-running spot, since a win would pluck it out of a twice-to-win handicap and into a best-of-three duel.
Under tournament format, the two top teams get rewarded with a win-once bonus in the quarterfinals against the No. 7 and No. 8 qualifiers. It will be No. 3 against No. 6 and No. 4 against No. 5 for the next four survivors in separate best-of-three series to decide the two other semifinalists.
“Crucial game for us,” said Road Warriors coach Boyet Fernandez. “If we want to give ourselves a chance to be in the top six we need to beat Alaska.”
Compton knows NLEX has the tools to pull off a reversal against his team. “Obviously, Al Thornton is an incredible import and we are exceptionally concerned about him,” was how he started enumerating the Road Warriors he is most anxious about.
“Asi (Taulava) is still playing like he is 30, Sean Anthony is a great catalyst for their team, and these guys are surrounded by really good guards,” added Compton. “How to stop all of these threats is our problem.”
Although it is coming off a 101-107 loss to Meralco last week, Alaska is at least as loaded.
Shane Edwards, Calvin Abueva, Vic Manuel and RJ Jazul have generally been playing well and are sure to lead the team anew. After missing the Aces’ last five games due to a nagging knee injury, Jayvee Casio could also return to action.
With Thornton, averaging a tournament-best 35.7 ppg, expected to lead the NLEX offense, it is on the other end of the court that Fernandez is more concerned with.
“Our defense will be crucial tomorrow,” said Fernandez.
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