IN the ongoing semifinal series between GlobalPort and Alaska, the Aces have shown that despite losing the initiative in Game 1, they are capable of mounting a comeback by playing a more disciplined type of basketball in the next three games of the series.
This they showed in Games 2, 3 and 4, where they beat the Batang Pier by large margins to take a commanding 3-1 lead and inch closer to the finals of the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Aces played deliberate, patient basketball and shared the basketball and went to the rim only when the lanes were clear. In short, they didn’t force their shots and constantly looked for the open man.
In contrast, the Batang Pier relied too much on Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle, who had been marked men since Game 1. The Aces trained their defensive guns on the two guards, forcing them to either commit errors or give up the ball to other teammates, who, unfortunately, failed to deliver.
Alaska also had too many aces to go to. In Game 4, where the Aces bulldozed their way to a 109-84 victory, four players delivered for the team, led by Calvin Abueva (20) and Dondon Hontiveros (16).
But it was Rome dela Rosa who proved to be a key component for Alaska in Game 4. Dela Rosa finished with nine points, scoring seven of his total in the fourth period, when Batang Pier tried to rally from a 20-point deficit after three quarters 82-62.
Dela Rosa’s contributions only showed that Alaska has too many weapons on its roster, making it difficult for Batang Pier to read Alaska’s offensive patterns.
Romeo did finish with 24 points and Pringle had 16, but were still outgunned by the Aces who drew consistent scoring not only from their old reliables, but from practically everyone from the Alaska roster.
Down 1-3 and a loss away from ending their season, the Batang Pier must find a way to muffle Alaska’s guns. And the only way to do this is to match the Aces’ defensive intensity while drawing more contributions from their roster.
***
I watched Game 4 of the semis between GlobalPort and Alaska while lying in my hospital bed. I was confined for three days at the Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center in Fairview for diarrhea. I’m okay now and I’d like to thank Dr. Lagunzad and Dr. Bunyi and the nursing staff of Rm. 4018 for taking care of me. Of course, I thank God for teaching me that I should rely more on him than on my strength.
For reactions, e-mail me at [email protected]