Sunday, November 02, 2008 Alaska guns for share of the lead
MANILA - The Alaska Aces try to regain their share of the top spot when they take take on Barangay Ginebra today in the 34th KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
With the return of 6-foot-6 Billy Mamaril from injury, Alaska coach Tim Cone is wary of their chances over the 2008 Fiesta Conference titlist Kings in their 6:30 p.m. encounter.
Red Bull, fresh from its 114-113 triumph over the Beermen in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental last Oct. 25, seeks its fourth win against cellar dweller Coca-Cola Tigers in the opening match at 4 p.m.
Alaska, which also won the Fiesta Cup in 2006, is aiming for its fifth win, a feat that may restore the Aces to the top of the standing along with San Miguel Beer, which is bearing a 52 slate.
Worry
Coach Cone has a reason to worry about because after a 4-0 start, the Aces suffered back-to-back losses, the first was to Talk ‘N Text, 91-83 last Oct. 24, and against Air21, 109-107 last Wednesday.
However, the Kings are almost in the same unpredictable predicament as they also lost their last three matches following a 2-0 start in the conference.
Injury
Coach Jong Uichico cited the continued absence of top shooter Mark Caguioa and Rafy Reavis due to injury as the reason for the sudden downtrend.
But, it may be different for the Kings with the return of Mamaril, who averaged 8.3 points a game, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blockshot in the last All-Filipino Cup.
Coach Cone, who won a Philippine Cup crown for the last time in 2000, will lean on top gunner Willie Miller, who averaged 17.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game and is No. 1 in assists with 4.83 per contest.
On the other hand, coach Uichico will rely on Jay-Jay Helterbrand, a 19.6-point shooter with a 33.3 percent accuracy in the three-point arc.
Heleterbrand also norms 3.6 assists as well as 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. (FCC)
