Alaska triangle tests Purefoods D

There is a well respected philosophy in sports: Offense wins games, defense wins championships.

The Alaska Aces and the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, both proponents of tireless, resolute defense, start their best-of-seven duel for the championship of the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night when they battle 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We’ve always believed in our defense,“ said Alaska coach Tim Cone. “We feel we can step up our defense anytime. Defense wins championships and this series will not be any different.“

The Aces advanced to the championship by sweeping the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the semifinals. The Giants took a longer route by outlasting the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the quarterfinals and subduing the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals.

Coach Tim said he was still in awe at how the Giants handled the mighty Beermen in the semifinals.

“Early in their series we thought Purefoods played with tremendous heart giving San Miguel all they could handle. But as the series progressed Purefoods started dominating San Miguel. Then Purefoods beat San Miguel three games in a row. That was an amazing feat. We expect them to play at a higher level in the finals,“ said coach Tim.

“We were amazed at how they were able to shut down the lane against San Miguel. They were able to control Jay Washington and Arwind Santos, two skilled, athletic players. They were able to control San Miguel’s offense. The Beermen are so sharp yet Purefoods was able to figure them out.“

The Aces will have to overcome the league-best defense of the Giants which allows only 85 points per game.

“Purefoods has such a great defense. They have length and they (players) cover each other. You get by one, three more will clobber you. They cover a lot of ground defensively. They go to the boards very well, execute properly and their shooters get good looks,“ said coach Tim.

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio agreed with coach Tim’s assessment that the Giants are in the championship because of their tenacious defense.

“We were able to stop the offensive power of San Miguel Beer. We plan to bring the same mindset to the table against Alaska. The Aces are just too sharp. We have to slow them down and get them away from their comfort zone. That means no easy baskets and somehow stopping them from executing their triangle,“ said Gregorio.

Fatigue will be the biggest concern for Gregorio. Purefoods has already played 29 games, the most by any team. In contrast the Aces, who advanced outright to the semifinals, are well-rested having played only 22 games this conference.

Alaska veteran Jeff Cariaso said the Aces should make full use of this rare opportunity of being in the championship.

“You don’t know when you’ll have this chance again,“ said Cariaso. “You have take advantage of being able to reach the finals. Obviously I’ve been around for a while and I know how difficult it is to reach the championship.“

Alaska court general LA Tenorio says the Aces also benefited from advancing to the finals early because they had a chance to watch the Giants play the Beermen live.

“Nakita naming iyong laro nila against San Miguel,“ said Tenorio. “Iba na ang laro nila ngayon. Mataas na ang level ng game nila ngayon compared sa laro nila sa eliminations. But I am sure merong naihanda si coach (Tim Cone) na strategy against them.“

Co-team captain Tony Dela Cruz said they are well-motivated and have been thinking about advancing to the championship since they lost to the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in the same Philippine Cup last year.

“We came up a few points short last year,“ said Dela Cruz. “Last year the whole team made a pact, a vow to make it to the finals this year and win the championship.“

The Purefoods coach said the Aces are executing so well and that all their players have stepped up their game.

“We have to disrupt their offense. It’s not just Willie Miller and LA Tenorio around the perimeter. Sonny Thoss and Reynel Hugnatan are virtually unstoppable in the post. Tony Dela Cruz is registering double digit points and rebounds. Even Jeff Cariaso has his moments. They have a nine-man rotation which really makes our job harder,“ said Gregorio.