#PBA2015 PREVIEW: TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS vs ALASKA ACES – HIGH STAKES

TNT is at 7-3, tied for first in the standings with PUR. ALA, meanwhile, is right in the middle of the pack with a 4-5 slate. For TNT to strengthen its chances of securing a twice-to-beat advantage, the Texters have to win today against an Alaska squad that is pretty much fighting for its life. If the Aces lose this one, they fall to 4-6 and are suddenly back on the edge of getting eliminated from quarterfinal contention. Alaska will definitely fight tooth and nail to stay alive, and they also have a lot of momentum, winning their last two games against Blackwater and Meralco respectively.

Here are the things to watch in this game:

1. AMAZING IVAN

Standing in ALA’s way, though, will be 6’8 import Ivan Johnson, who has just been a do-it-all star player for the Texters. The Cal State San Bernardino product unloaded his best performance yet in TNT’s last game, putting up 41 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, and 4 threes as the Texters plowed through the Beermen, 113-93. Johnson has proven to be a match-up nightmare for opposing teams as he can finish strong around the basket and can also catch fire from long range. It’ll be interesting to see what adjustments the Aces will make against him.

Comm Cup stats: 31.0ppg, 15.2rpg, 1.8apg, 3.4spg, 2.2 triples per game, 46.3 FG%

vs SMB: 41pts, 19rebs, 5stls, 4 triples, 66.7 FG%

2. RANIDEL GETS IT GOIN’

Another guy who really did well in TNT’s last game was Gilas PF Ranidel De Ocampo. RDO has been consistently solid for the Texters this conference, scoring 11 or more points in all but one contest. His outside shooting is as sharp as ever, and he remains a solid inside presence. Together with Johnson, RDO gives TNT a potent combo at the frontcourt — two guys who can mix it up in the middle and stretch the defense with their outside shooting.

Season stats: 13.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.9 triples per game, 47.0 FG%

vs SMB: 17pts, 3rebs, 1 triple, 53.3 FG%

3. HEY, IT’S LARRY!

One surprise contributor in TNT’s win over SMB was former Gilas and veteran sniper Larry Fonacier. He has struggled so far this season with injuries and playing time, but he came to play against arch-rival SMB. His production has been quite inconsistent this conference, but if he can produce some more solid numbers in a supporting role, then ALA will have another person to worry about.

Comm Cup stats: 7.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3 triples per game, 43.3 3pt%, 39.0 FG%

vs SMB: 12pts, 5rebs, 2asts, 4 triples, 80.0 3pt%, 57.1 FG%

4. DO IT WITH DEFENSE

Aside from great individual performances, TNT also showcased superior defensive effort in its last game. The Texters limited SMB to just 38.4% FG shooting in that game. TNT also forced 16 SMB errors and scored 17 points off these turnovers. If TNT can keep their defensive pressure high, they can also force ALA into a lot of mistakes and, therefore, have a solid shot of winning this game.

5. DAMION DELIVERS

ALA import Damion James started with a slump, losing his first three games in the PBA, but he has since been able to lead the Aces to two straight wins and right back into quarterfinal contention. He still continues to struggle with most of his shots and is still inconsistent from the free throw line, but he is rebounding a little better and, well, the most important thing is he’s able to deliver the Ws for ALA.

Comm Cup stats: 29.2ppg, 15.4rpg, 2.0 triples per game

6. BANCHERO RISING

One big reason the Aces have been able to put together back-to-back wins is the sublime play of Chris Banchero. Banchero has really stepped up his production of late, and he will definitely an important piece of the puzzle should the Aces make the next round. If he continues playing at a high level, then maybe, just maybe, Alaska can be a dark horse title contender.

In Losses (5 games): 4.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, 38.1 FG%

In Wins (4 games): 11.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.3apg, 55.6 FG%

7. VETERAN POWER

ALA also got a big boost from veteran wingmen Cyrus Baguio and Dondon Hontiveros. Baguio rebounded well from a 0-point effort by dropping a dozen points on Meralco. Hontiveros, meanwhile, continued his hot shooting against Meralco, hitting 2 triples on his way to 12 markers. Hontiveros has hit at least one three-pointer in all but one game this conference. If he can continue riding his hot hand, the Aces can pull the rug from under the Texters.

Combined Comm Cup stats:  17.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.5apg, 2.5spg, 37.4 FG%

Combined vs MER: 24pts, 11rebs, 2asts, 2stls, 44.4 FG%

8. REWARDING AGGRESSION

Another significant factor for ALA’s big win vs MER was the fact they were very aggressive in attacking the basket. Their aggression was rewarded with 44 free throw attempts. ALA made 82% of their FTs, and this was a big reason they won. In contrast, MER shot 11 less free throws, and made just 67% of their FT attempts. Damion James had 16 FT attempts for ALA, while Banchero had 8 and Vic Manuel had 6.

ALA FT attempts per game (first 8 games): 26.6 per game (72% accuracy)

ALA FT attempts vs MER: 44 (they made 36 for an 82% accuracy rate)

9. MARQUEE MATCH-UP: MATT ROSSER VS CALVIN ABUEVA

The key match-up tonight will be between two of the best small forwards in the league right now — third year man Calvin Abueva and rookie sensation Matt Rosser. Abueva is coming off a great performance against MER, recording 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Rosser is also coming form an impressive outing opposite the Beermen, putting up 22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block to help TNT win. Both are also in serious consideration to be part of the next Gilas Pilipinas pool, so it’ll be interesting to see how they match up with each other. In their previous meeting, Calvin Abueva was on beast mode, dropping 26 points, 22 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. More importantly, though, he hit the game-winning shot as Alaska prevailed, 100-98. Matt Rosser, meanwhile, score only 8 markers.

Rosser season stats: 11.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.1apg, 23.4 3pt%, 39.2 FG%

Abueva season stats: 14.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.4apg, 35.6 3pt%, 42.5 FG%

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