THE Alaska Aces finally bounced back from a horrendous slump, losing five of their past six games, to turn back the late challenge of the Barako Bull Energy Boosters and post a scrambling 87-76 victory in the 2010-2011 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The Aces (5 wins, 5 losses) thus improved to a tie at fourth and fifth places with the BMEG Derby Ace Llamados (5-5).
The other teams include the San Miguel Beermen (9-2), the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings (7-3), the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (6-3), the Meralco Bolts (4-5), the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-5) and the Air21 Express (4-6).
The key for any turnaround by the Aces will be do-everything Fil-Am Joe Devance. The 6’7” former top draft pick is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. In addition, he is also the team’s primary ball carrier ala Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls.
Devance said the key to his improved play has been the confidence and support given him by Alaska coach Tim Cone.
“He (Cone) always gave me a chance and always let’s me know when I’m doing wrong or messing around too much. I want to rebound a lot better. I try to go to the offensive rebounds every possession but a lot of the times I don’t get it. I go so hard because it tires out my defender and a lot of the time they get frustrated and try and hit me or something. I would also like to get in better condition. I just want to be all over the court. Coach gives me free range do whatever I want in the motion of the offense of course,” said Devance.
Despite Alaska’s victory over Barako, Cone was displeased with his team’s performance especially in the fourth period.
“I am just not happy with the way we played especially in the fourth period,” said Cone. “The fourth period has always been our Waterloo this conference. We have not played well in the fourth quarter. That was our biggest concern in this game. I guess it’s back to the drawing board for us.”
“Red Bull is a well-coached team,” said Cone. “They went through some really tough teams and have lost their last five games. But they never quit in those games. They always battled to the very end.”
The Aces have four games remaining in their schedule. They meet the Derby Ace Llamados in the 7:30 p.m. main game on Nov. 24, at the Araneta Coliseum. On Nov. 28, the Aces battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 4 p.m., also at the Araneta Coliseum. Then, the Aces meet San Miguel in the 6:30 p.m. main game on Dec. 5. The Aces complete their elimination-round schedule when they play Powerade at 5 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Reuel Vidal, Manila Standard Today
