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Alaska,
PBA,
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Sta. Lucia
POD: Alaska-3.5 vs. Sta. Lucia (3K units) W
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San Miguel-6.5 vs. Rain or Shine
San Miguel-6.5 vs. Rain or Shine
Preview: After facing them twice in the playoff the past two years, including a face-off in the 2007 Finals, Alaska coach Tim Cone knows fully well that they will be in for a rough sailing against the Sta. Lucia Realtors.
“They always bring great discipline, as well as defensive intensity to their game,” said Cone on Tuesday as they prepare for a grudge rematch with the Realtors this Wednesday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Like in their previous games, experts predict another emotional encounter, if not a bruising one when they clash in the featured match at 4 p.m.
The Aces, for one, are out to extend their four-game winning run in the season-ending tournament.
The Realtors, on the other hand, are determined to improve their 3-1 card. If they win, they will grab a piece of the lead with the Aces. San Miguel Beer (2-2) meets winless Rain or Shine (0-4) in the curtain raiser at 5 p.m.
Of the Aces’ four wins, two were against pre-season top contenders, beating the Beermen in Panabo City, 85-74, and the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 105-92, last October 25.
However, they will be up against the Realtors who are coming off a 101-93 victory over the Burger King Whoppers last Friday, that made up for their 83-100 setback to defending champion Talk ’N Text.
Cone said much of the early success of Sta. Lucia should be credited to the motivating power of coach Boyet Bautista – who was one of the tough guards during his time in the league.
Also, Cone said that the trades SLR made in the off-season by acquiring Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana, as well as comebacking Ardy Larong and rookie Josh Urbiztondo, who scored a career-best 24 points against BK, has helped SLR with its running game.
“They have more quickness for this year, which we’ll have to overcome,” he said.
Like Cone, Fernandez sees a tough battle with the Aces, saying: “We need to bring our A-game.”
“Alaska beat us in a tune-up game, so we know what they can do. We have to stay disciplined in our execution and have a solid defensive game if we want to get our fourth win,” he added.
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