ALASKA looks to gain the solo lead in a 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup game in Dubai at the Al Wasl Sports Club today.
Just like last season, the PBA is holding games in Dubai, considered as a basketball hotbed in the Middle East.
Red hot with a 2-0 start, the Aces are looking to keep their act going when they take on two teams who are still in search of a win this conference.
For today, Alaska battles Mahindra (0-2) at 12 midnight, while tomorrow, the Aces will take on Barangay Ginebra (0-2) in the same place and time.
Should the Aces win both games, they will overtake current tournament leader Rain or Shine, who holds a 3-0 card, as they can potentially head back home with a 4-0 slate.
That’s what Alaska coach Alex Compton certainly wants.
“We’re looking to have a good trip and have the best result,” said Compton minutes before heading for a breakfast at the Damac Maison’s Cour Jardin hotel. “We’re excited to put on a show for the fans here and also produce more wins.
Though Alaska topped Blackwater, 87-79, last week, Compton thought that the Aces didn’t exactly have the best form in that game and wants to see a better showing from his wards.
“We didn’t show our best form in our last game and I’m hoping we can improve on our mistakes that we learned from,” he said.
So far this season, rising forward Vic Manuel is the one taking the lead for Alaska though most of the team’s usual suspects are doing their part for last season’s runner-ups.
“Barako beat Ginebra, Blackwater beat Meralco. I hope we don’t say Mahindra beat Alaska,” said Compton. “Everybody is getting better. There’s not an easy game.”
The Enforcers put up a good fight in their last game against Talk ‘N Text on Saturday before falling short, 101-97.
A huge upset against the Aces is obviously what Mahindra has in mind as it continues to look for its first win.
The promising thing for the Enforcers is the continued emergence of star LA Revilla and the surprise good showing of rookie Bradwyn Guinto.
Revilla dropped 21 points in the said loss, while Guinto had 17 as they led Mahindra in the losing cause.
Game Friday
(Al Wasl Sports Club – Dubai, UAE)
12 midnight (PH Time) –
Mahindra vs. Alaska