HOT KINGS BATTLE REJUVENATED ACES
It’s just hard not to be intimidated by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings nowadays.
Alaska coach Luigi Trillo is overwhelmed just mentioning one by one the Ginebra players they face 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“On paper, I have to admit they are probably one of the strongest, if not the strongest,” said Trillo. “Players like (Japeth) Aguilar, (Emman) Monfort, (James) Forrester and, of course, (Greg) Slaughter have all together enhanced the tough veterans that they already have.”
These guys have proved to be a potent mix, turning in a remarkable 6-1 (win-loss) showing in the first half of the elimination phase.
They have raised their goal, now focused in a bid to gain a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals as they start their drive in the final half of the elims against the Alaska side that has been struggling with a 3-5 mark.
One big positive for the Aces is their morale-boosting win over the Meralco Bolts the last time out.
Playing with a sense of urgency, Alaska checked its skid as it trounced Meralco, 91-82, to improve to joint sixth place with the Bolts.
A number of Alaska players churned out conference-high numbers as the Aces dished out their best game in the all-Filipino tourney.
Dondon Hontiveros, Cyrus Baguio and Sonny Thoss put in tournament best of 24, 23 and 20 points, respectively, while Gabby Espinas got a career-high 23 rebounds for their third victory after an 84-80 decision over San Mig Coffee and a 97-91 overtime escape act versus Air21.
“But it doesn’t get easier for any team from here. We have Ginebra, San Mig Coffee and Talk n Text for our next three assignments,” said Trillo.
Trillo is hopeful their win over Meralco will serve as a springboard that would help them versus the Kings.
“We’re settled today. We weren’t playing tight. The guys were at peace with themselves. Hopefully, they come out the same on Saturday,” Trillo said moments after their conquest of the Bolts.
On the same night, Greg Slaughter won his battle with Asi Taulava, Japeth Aguilar towered above everybody and Barangay Ginebra crushed Air21, 78-69, to stay right behind frontrunner Petron Blaze.
The Ginebra Twin Tower combo produced hulking numbers as they imposed their huge inside presence and led the Kings to a third straight win and sixth and seven games in all.
“At six-one halfway through the elims, we need to press on if we’re to gain the important twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
That’s a fair warning to the Aces. (SB)
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