By Diego de la Paz
PASIG, Philippines (Eagle News) – The Alaska Aces, although banged and bruised throughout the season is ready to face a well-rested and energized Rain or Shine Elasto Painters squad when the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals tips off.
Coming off a five-game set against the Meralco Bolts, the Aces will once again have to make-do with a shorter rotation without key veterans JV Casio (knee), Vic Manuel (calf), and Eric Menk.
Despite all this, head coach Alex Compton said that they still have tricks up their sleeve and make for an interesting Finals affair, the team’s fourth title round appearance in the last five conferences.
“We don’t have an excuse. It will be a great experience for the rest of the guys. I am proud of their performance in the last series,” said Compton.
Compton – a former assistant and special import for the Elasto Painters – even said in jest during the pre-Finals press conference at the PBA Cafe in Metrowalk, Pasig that all of Rain or Shine’s players will give them trouble, but outlined what the team could do when he turned serious.
“They play fast, they play a lot of guys. They attack with confidence and they shoot with confidence. They move the ball, they’re tough. We have to find a way to surpass it,” added Compton.
Despite the perceived advantage over their foes, Rain or Shine is very much wary of what Alaska can do with its dearth of experience in big games.
“We don’t see an advantage here,” said Rain or Shine assistant coach Caloy Garcia. “They like to run, we like to run. They like to play physical, we like that too. So I think this is going to be a close series.”
In their lone meeting in the elimination round, Alaska got the best of Rain or Shine via a 128-102 rout. The Aces paraded then-reinforcement Shane Edwards, while the Elasto Painters had Antoine Wright – its second import – for the match.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven Finals is on Friday, May 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
