Kings, Aces shoot for semis today

source: mb.com.ph

Games Today (Astrodome, Pasay City)

4 p.m. — Alaska vs Air21
6:30 p.m. — Barangay Ginebra vs Rain or Shine



Barangay Ginebra and Alaska try to advance into the semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with victories against separate opponents at the PBA Commissioner’s Cup today at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Kings face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 6:30 p.m., following the 4 p.m. match between the Aces and Air21 Express.

Ginebra squandered a 20-point margin early in the third period, but leaned on Nate Bruemfield’s clutch baskets to preserve a 100-91 win over the Express Friday night in the opener of their best-of-three quarterfinal series.

Another victory today will send the Kings into the best-of-five semifinal series opposite the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas.

Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico is aware of the danger posed by the back-against-the-wall Painters.

"We can’t relax, we have to come out with the same intensity," said Uichico. "Yes it’s good to get the first first win. But since they only had one day to prepare for the quarterfinals, we expect a tougher game this time. We’d like to think of the next game as if the series is 0-0." Brumfield remains the Kings’ main weapon following his 10-of-16 performance from the field in 37 minutes of action Friday.

Willie Miller and Mark Caguioa provided able support to Williams.

The Painters need to get a better game from import Hassan Adams who was held down to a conference-low 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting for the field.

"It’s far from over. We will make adjustments and come out fighting," Guiao said. "Hassan has to step up and assert himself. I’m happy with my locals, we just need to challenge them and work harder defending their import."

In the other game, the Aces will again be led by playmaker LA Tenorio, whose three conversions from the three-point arc fueled a 13-5 run that erased Air21’s 84-76 lead with 3:29 left in the game.

With the score tied at 89-all with 36 seconds to go, Wynne Arboleda missed a triple, paving the way for Sonny Thoss’ tip-in off a miss by Tenorio in transition.

"LA stepped up and hit some big shots," Alaska mentor Tim Cone said. "We didn’t shoot well and let them dominate us in the second half. Then finally LA stepped up and Sonny bailed us out with that tip in."

If Alaska wins, the Aces will take on top seed and Philippine Cup champion Talk ’N Text.

The Tropang Texters and the Smart-Gilas national team, both backed by Manny V. Pangilinan, booked outright slots in the semifinals by topping the elimination round.

source: mb.com.ph