Alaska, ROS out to keep spotless records intact
OFF to strong starts in the mid-season tournament Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, the Alaska Aces and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters eye continuing to roll as they take on separate opponents in action today at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Aces (2-0) face off with the Mahindra Floodbuster (1-2) in the curtain-raiser at 4:15 p.m. while the Elasto Painters battle the Meralco Bolts (3-0) in a clash of undefeated teams at 7 p.m. Alaska’s latest victory came at the expense of the Blackwater Elite, 109-95, last week that saw the former dominate its opponent from start to finish. The win was in follow up to the Aces’ victory over the GlobalPort Batang Pier in their Commissioner’s Cup debut. In the Blackwater win, Alaska was led by import Cory Jefferson, who had a doubledouble of 28 points and 15 rebounds, with Carl Bryan Cruz and Chris Exciminiano chipping in 15 and 13 points, respectively. Alaska coach Alex Compton gave credit to the team’s defense and aggressiveness as keys to their good showing early in the tournament and that they look to build on it as the Commissioner’s Cup progresses. Out to halt the Aces are the Floodbuster, which finally notched their first win after three tries in their last game. Returning import James White has been the take-charge guy for Mahindra with averages of 31 points and 20 rebounds in 42 minutes on the floor, with Alex Mallari good for 11.3 points and five assists.
TOURNAMENT LEADERSHIP
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, jostles for tournament leadership against equally streaking Meralco.
Import Shawn Taggart has been solid for the defending champions Elasto Painters with norms of 26 points, 10.7 rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game.
James Yap (16.3 points), Jeff Chan (10) and Beau Belga (10) are the three other players currently scoring in double digits for Rain or Shine.
“We have to continue playing consistent basketball for the full 48 minutes. We are happy to win three straight but the work continues for us,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
Waiting for the Elasto Painters are the Bolts, fresh from their 94- 89 conquest of the TNT KaTropa last Friday.
Alex Stepheson had another monster game of 20 points and 27 rebounds for Meralco, which is looking to bounce back in the Commissioner’s Cup after a tough campaign in the previous Philippine Cup that saw it exit early.
Meanwhile, Star Hotshots point guard Mark Barroca is the latest recipient of the PBA Player of the Week honors after helping his team to two wins in as many games.
Mr. Barroca averaged 12.5 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals for the period of March 20 to 26 to earn the weekly plum.
In winning the award, the Star guard bested teammate Peter June Simon, Meralco’s Baser Amer and Jared Dillinger, Rain or Shine’s Maverick Ahanmisi, Mahindra’s Ryan Araña, Alaska’s Cruz and TNT’s Jayson Castro.