Well-rested after a two-week break apparently made a whole lot of difference for the Alaska Aces in their first playoff meeting with the Barangay Ginebra Kings in 13 years.
Four of Alaska’s starters racked up double-digit scores in the Aces’ lopsided victory, a 104-79 pouncing of the weary Kings in Game One of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Araneta Coliseum.
Fully recharged and armed with fresh legs that enabled them to run for 48 minutes, the Aces dictated the tempo and never relinquished the lead when Joe Devance knocked in Alaska’s first basket – a 3-pointer – 52 seconds into the game. Alaska coach Tim Cone said he wasn’t surprised that the Kings had a tough time keeping up with them, citing the five tough games the Ginebra went through against Talk ‘N Text in the quarterfinals.
“Obviously they were drained. We’re quite lucky we didn’t have to go through it (quarterfinals). But I’m sure they’ll get back in Game 2,” Cone said. The last time these two teams met in playoff series was during the 1997 Commissioner’s Cup Finals won by Gordon’s Gin in six games.
During their sabbatical, Cone said his team did nothing but to practice among themselves and he was amazed that the Aces managed to keep themselves in game shape. “I really felt good after the break. You can stay competitive as long as you keep competing. But all we did during the break was to practice among ourselves. So I’m really pleased that our guys managed to keep their competitive edge,” Cone said.
Apart from being sharp, the Aces also hit their shots while the Kings kept on missing theirs. Alaska also handled the pressure well when Ginebra applied it at times. Cone though dismissed the notion that they have the edge in the series after taking the opener. “We’re one up, but this means nothing. We hope we could build on this one. We know what Ginebra is like, We know what Jong (Uichico) is like. They never panic,” Cone noted.
Sonny Thoss and Joe Devance were in their best element in the opener, turning a double-double performance. Thoss showed the way for Alaska with a conference-high 21 points and had 11 boards while Devance added 20 and a career second-best 18 rebounds. LA Tenorio accounted for 19 points that went with his six assists and two steals and Tony dela Cruz shipped in 10 and three assists for the Aces, who shot 49 percent (42 of 85) and outrebounded the Kings, 59-40.
Miller contributed just four markers but had five assists and made his teammates look better. Shooting 50 percent in the second quarter, Alaska outscored Barangay Ginebra, 26-18, and led by 20 points at halftime. “Obviously, we were a step slower. The series with Talk ‘N Text really drained us physically and emotionally,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
Things turned sour for the Kings early when guard Celino Cruz, left the court, with still four minutes left in the opening quarter after hurting his right ankle while going for a drive in traffic. He sat out the rest of the game. Although he gave no alibi for the loss, Uichico said he was disappointed that there were players in his team who didn’t have the heart fight when the going gets tough. He mentioned no names though.
The scores: Alaska 104 - Thoss 21, De Vance 20, Tenorio 19, Dela Cruz 10, Borboran 8, Hugnatan 8, Fonacier 7, Miller 4, Cariaso 4, Cablay 3, Ferriols 0.
Ginebra 79 - Caguioa 23, Salvacion 14, Tubid 8, Baguio 8, Intal 7, White 6, Wilson 4, Menk 3, Mamaril 2, Villanueva 2, Helterbrand 2, Cruz 0. Quarterscores: 29-17, 55-35, 78-62, 104-7
