JOCKEYING FOR QF POSITION
Alaska tries to improve its record in the Top Four while Barangay Ginebra San Miguel seeks to formalize its entry into the quarterfinals as they square off in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The Aces are on a three-game roll while the Kings are coming off a crucial win over the Meralco Bolts going into their key 5:15 p.m. match.
“It’s always hard against Ginebra, but it can be done,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, hopeful of stretching their run.
Trillo and his charges are after a win that could give them a lock for a spot in the best-of-three quarterfinals.
Coach Ato Agustin and his troops are also after a Top Six finish. But at the moment, their immediate goal is to formally claim a playoff seat.
In winning their last three games, the Aces are at fourth place at 4-3, still with an outside chance to land in the Top Two.
The Meralco Bolts are at fifth at 4-4 while the Kings currently share sixth place with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Air21 Express at 3-4.
Alaska pulled a first three-game run since sweeping Barangay Ginebra in the last second conference finale as the Aces outfought the Barako Bull Energy, 78-71, in a low-scoring game last April 2.
The Aces continued to thrive on a tough halfcourt game, making it three in a row following an 88-78 whipping of the Express and an 89-78 drubbing of the San Miguel Beermen.
Rob Dozier and his teammates played even tougher in their most recent game, holding the Energy way below their average of 97.8 points a game.
Ginebra, meanwhile, rose from a stupor the last time out, gaining the needed lift from new import Josh Powell.
Powell stuck to the role he’s supposed to play and, with more local involvement, the Kings topped the Bolts, 88-78.
“Nakasunod agad sa sistema at ibinigay ang hinahanap namin,” said Agustin.
The Ginebra coaching staff and the Ginebra locals expect Powell to play even better Sunday.
Trillo, meanwhile, is wary of the revved-up Ginebra crew.
“(Mark) Caguioa and (LA) Tenorio are always a tough concern plus their second unit has been playing well, particularly (Josh) Urbiztondo, (Mac) Baracael and (Jayjay) Helterbrand,” said Trillo.
“Ginebra will be extra tougher with Powell completely changing the team. He can rebound and he keeps everybody involved. He gets away with a ton of solid screens,” Trillo added. (SB)
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