ALASKA coach Jeff Cariaso braces for the Aces’ toughest test in the middle of their farewell tour today when they battle NLEX in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Aces have racked up three straight victories, posting two of them last week when management announced the franchise’s exit at tournament’s end, to climb to solo third at 5-2. But standing in the way in the 3 p.m. match are the Road Warriors (5-3), who have been a major force all conference.
“With all due respect to our last two opponents (Rain or Shine and Terrafirma), I feel tomorrow (today) will be our biggest test since our resumption,” Mr. Cariaso said ahead of the encounter that marks the PBA’s Antipolo return after nearly three years.
“They (NLEX) have a phenomenal import (KJ McDaniels) with a very good local support. They’re always a tough opponent.”
The Aces, according to Mr. Cariaso, are embracing the mantra “living the moment” and “staying within what we’re doing” as they continue the final stretch of their PBA journey.
NLEX, for its part, eyes to make it back to back after a 117-97 beatdown of Blackwater and wrest third spot from Alaska.
“We have to come out of the jump ball with high-energy defense,” said coach Yeng Guiao. “Every game, we have to go out and set the tone defensively; if we can do that, we feel our offense comes easier.”
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer (SMB) (4-3) and Phoenix Super LPG (4-3) break their tie for fifth in the 6 p.m. second game.
SMB guns for its fifth win amid reports it is bringing in Philippine Basketball Association (NBA) veteran Shabazz Muhammad to replace Orlando Johnson, who posted 31 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the team’s 110-102 victory over Barangay Ginebra last Sunday.
Dominique Sutton and the Fuel Masters are bent on rebounding from their 103-83 blowout loss to pacesetter Magnolia last Saturday. — Olmin Leyba