ACES, ROAD WARRIORS EXPECT TITANIC STRUGGLE

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COACH Boyet Fernandez is hoping his NLEX squad has learned its lessons from a recent collapse, more so now that it has a crucial meeting with Alaska 4:15 p.m. Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces are out for their eighth win in nine games, which should at least keep them tied for top spot, depending on the outcome of the match between co-leader San Miguel Beer and Meralco later in the evening.

A win will also move Alaska closer to a coveted top two finish following the 11-game eliminations, a windup that is rewarded with an outright semifinals slot.

The Road Warriors, on the other hand, are looking to rebound from a bitter loss their last time out and fans their hopes of making it among the top six teams which will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.

Fernandez knows his team could be in for a very long game. “Alaska is very strong, number one team in the standings, number one in defense,” he said.

“Tough matchup for us but we will be ready. We just have to make the game close and try our very best to match up with their defensive mentality so we can give ourselves a chance to win.”

Such an opportunity has already been given NLEX against Rain or Shine last Tuesday, when the Road Warriors posted a 93-87 lead with only 35 seconds to go.

But the Elasto Painters did not give up and showed its poise by racking up eight straight points to steal the victory.

“I take the blame for this loss. But we’ll continue to learn and improve as a team,” said Fernandez following that game. “We should have won that. If we just showed more composure in the end, I think we would have won that. It’s on me.”

Tons of poise are surely needed against an Alaska team known for harassing the opposition no end, concrete proof of which is the Aces allowing a league-best 74.75 points per game.

In contrast, NLEX has been giving up 90 ppg to its opponents, prompting Fernandez to repeatedly emphasize the need to make stops.

The Road Warriors have already showed they can do so by limiting Rain or Shine to just 30 second half points before that endgame collapse and that fact, plus their ability to pile up the points, is not lost on Alaska coach Alex Compton.

“NLEX is playing great basketball right now. They are really potent offensively,” said Compton before enumerating the factors going for the Road Warriors.

“What Asi (Taulava) is doing is amazing, playing heavy minutes and producing a double-double,” noted Compton. “Obviously, Macmac is a superb scorer and Jonas (Villanueva) is one of the best pick-and-roll players in the league. Aldrech (Ramos) and KG (Canaleta) are great shooters for 4-men and fit perfectly in their system.

“You put these guys under the only coach to ever win championships in the NCAA, D-League and PBA and they are a scary team for the rest of the teams in the league.

“We have our hands full.”

It’s not that Alaska does not have its own offensive weapons, led by the likes of Calvin Abueva, Vic Manuel, Dondon Hontiveros, Cyrus Baguio and Jayvee Casio.

How to stifle Taulava, who has been averaging 17.25 points and 11 rebounds a night, would be the main responsibility of Sonny Thoss and Eric Menk. (NC)

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