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| JC Intal trying to get past Alaska's defense |
The fired-up Aces and the fagged-out Kings square off at 4 p.m. with the former determined to make it three in a row to move within a win of a return stint in the all-Filipino finals.
The Aces are well aware of the Kings’ dilemma and they’ve done a good job taking advantage of it, paving the way for their emphatic victories in the first two games of their showdown.
“Because they’re tired, they can’t do the game plan they want to execute. That’s our biggest advantage at this point, and we’re really pouncing on the situation,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.
The Kings are zero-two down and face a tough task of checking their slump with weary bodies plus the uncertain status of Eric Menk (groin injury) and Celino Cruz (sprained ankle).
While Alaska is setting out only for a third game in 23 days, Ginebra is playing an eighth game in two weeks.
“Despite the loss (Friday), I was happy with how we fought. We showed some semblance of a fight and that could give us a good frame of mind going to Game Three,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
“We’re hoping to do better in Game Three. We’re keeping the faith,” Uichico added.
San Miguel and Purefoods slug it out in the 6:30 p.m. mainer with the Giants enjoying the momentum and high morale following a vengeful 103-84 victory in Game Two.
The Giants also got the breaks with Kerby Raymundo spared of suspension on his unsportsmanlike conduct resulting in his ejection late in the first half Friday. Raymundo was only meted a fine of P4,000.
“It’s nice to finally win over San Miguel but it takes four games to win the series. We just tied it at one-one, so we’ve done nothing special,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
“We’d got our ass kicked and there’s no excuses. We came out flat and they came out with a lot of energy. They won the rebounding. It takes effort to do that – more than talent,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.
“Good thing, we’re just back to scratch. For sure, the intensity will pick up for both teams. They stepped up in Game Two and we have to make sure to step up as well in Game Three,” Tanquingcen also said.
The Giants jumped the gun on the Beermen, taking the opening quarter at 28-21, and they held onto the lead all the way to the finish.
Purefoods never wavered even on the ouster of Raymundo, sustaining a gritty performance to deal San Miguel its worst defeat since a 100-129 blowout by Talk n Text in Game One of their all-Filipino semis duel last year.
“It’s about recognition of where we are today. It’s about understanding what position we are in,” said Rafi Reavis, who ably picked up the slack on Raymundo’s exit.
“Our vaunted defense came to play and it helped that Rafi ably filled in the shoes vacated by Kerby,” said Gregorio.
“We’re playing an important game Sunday and I hope that the ejection of Kerby became a blessing in disguise. He’s able to rest his injured legs. Hopefully, he comes back stronger,” said Gregorio of his ace forward-center.
Raymundo was ejected from the game with 4:11 to go in the second quarter on back-to-back technical infractions he incurred for vehemently protesting a call. Purefoods was up 42-30 then.
As a result, the former Letran stalwart ended up scoreless in a game for the first time since 2004.
Source: Nelson Beltran | Philstar.com
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