STRUGGLING SORENTO FACE AWESOME ACES
In a bit of sports irony, Kia now has an inkling of the sense of dread Chris Algieri would probably be feeling when he goes up against Manny Pacquiao in Macau two weeks from now.
The Sorento, Pacquiao’s PBA ballclub, not only will be facing an undefeated leader in the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Cup at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Cuneta Astrodome, they will also be ranged against a precision machine that has methodically taken apart Grand Slam champion Purefoods, Talk ‘N Text, San Miguel Beer and Meralco, the Bolts via a 41-point demolition that sent chills all around the league well ahead of the holiday season.
Kia must be thinking Rocky Balboa right now, but its chances of a grand upset are pretty slim.
The Sorento have lost their last four games after spectacularly coming back to claim victory against fellow newcomer Blackwater during their inaugural game last month at the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena.
Pacquiao, Kia’s playing-coach, started at guard and played seven minutes before taking himself out to assume the dual role that two PBA legends he idolizes – Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez – had played before.
He ultimately bid the PBA adieu as he prepares for his coming fight with Algieri, and the Sorento have never quite summoned the intensity they displayed when their heart-and-soul was in their midst, suffering two blowout out losses to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine, a thriller to GlobalPort and another lopsided contest to Talk ‘N Text.
Currently, they stand just outside the cellar door where within winless Barako Bull and Blackwater languish.
The Aces now come along.
With victories over the league’s top guns, Alaska has displayed overwhelming strength that is virtually unmatchable for a team with no legitimate take-charge guys, dominant big men and competitive experience at the Aces’ level.
At best, this should be a fifth victory breeze for Alaska, especially once coach Alex Compton mercifully applies heavy defensive pressure to take the Sorento out of their misery early.
Kia can keep throwing punches, hoping to unsettle the Aces somewhat. But unlike in boxing where one hard straight to the chin could put an opponent away, the Sorento will need all of 48 minutes to set something up.
Coach Glenn Capacio has remained positive, urging his players to brush aside their awe of their PBA idols. Pacquiao himself has preached the same. It will now be up to the Sorento to stand their ground once the revved-up Aces, with Jvee Casio, Dondon Hontiveros, Sonny Thoss, Cyrus Baguio, Chris Banchero and Calvin Abueva, come roaring along. (WJRHT)
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