The Hunger Games: E-Painters, Aces seek end to title drought

MANILA, Philippines - There will be no destiny or dynasty to speak of. No mega-rich corporate rivalries to deal with. Only two teams seeking excellence in bids that would quench their hunger for a PBA championship.

The Alaska Aces and Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters, two teams with blue-collar work ethics for the way they disposed of their rated rivals in the league, will finally earn the crown in literally the PBA’s version of the Hunger Games.

For at the end of the best-of-seven series, one team will end a horrendous title slump while the other remains deep in drought.

Game One of the PBA Oppo Commissioner’s Cup finals fires off at 7 tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the Aces and the Elasto Painters, both coming off a string of PBA finals defeats, clashing in a series that is expected to be gut-wrenching all the way.

Alaska is out to finally overcome the trauma of three finals debacles while the Elasto Painters hope to finally go all the way to the top after coming up short in each of their last four finals appearances.

The title series is also billed as a virtual track meet between two teams that thrive on a running attack.

“It’s no secret that both teams love to run. It’s going to be who’s going to make the stops,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton during the pre-finals press conference graced by PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa at the PBA Café in Metrowalk in Pasig City yesterday.   

The Aces are perked up by their playoff triumphs versus MVP Group teams Tropang TNT and Meralco while the E-Painters are pumped up coming off stunning conquests of highly formidable SMC squads Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer.

“It’s gonna be a fast-paced game, up-and-down, physical. It’s gonna be exciting and fun to watch,” said Alaska import Rob Dozier.

If there’s any side that enjoys the slight edge, they said it should be the E-Painters but only in the opener since the Aces hardly had a preparation, needing to go through the full distance of a best-of-five semifinal before disposing of the Bolts.

But Rain Or Shine assistant coach Caloy Garcia doesn’t believe it would be much of a factor.

“They played a tough Meralco team Wednesday, winning only in the last few minutes. That’s already a good preparation on their side,” said Garcia, the one currently running the ROS practices with coach Yeng Guiao busy with his campaign for reelection as representative of the first district of Pampanga.

Both teams expressed readiness for a long series.

“We play hard, we practice hard, and we’re allowed to be tired only after the finals,” said Compton, hopeful of their chance even with injuries to Jvee Casio, Vic Manuel and Eric Menk.

“Coach Yeng’s team is our model. We’re not built on one guy. We have a bunch of guys ready to play. It’s their turn to step up,” Compton pointed out.

Compton admits, though, they have a job cut out for them versus the E-Painters, the only team to reach the Final Four in each of the last nine conferences.

“Somebody has asked if we have the edge on playoff experience. They have nine straight semis and that’s tough. Rain Or Shine is the only team to beat San Miguel in a playoff (in the last two years). They’re playing their best in years and their confidence is over the roof,” said Compton.

The E-Painters, meanwhile, are concerned with Alaska’s dreaded pressing defense.

“The two teams have the same style and are almost equal. Both like to use the bench and both benefit from the locals. We both run. The difference is they press a lot,” said Garcia.

“We have to help one another to break their press. If you bring down the ball by yourself, there’s the big risk of turning the ball over on their press. And they score a lot from that,” said Rain Or Shine guard Paul Lee.

“Their defense is really good. For us, it’s about handling the ball and limiting turnovers,” said ROS rookie playmaker Maverick Ahanmisi.

Both teams have imports that complement their locals well.

Dozier is a tested import who led the Aces to their last title run in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup. Pierre Henderson-Niles, meanwhile, fills in Rain or Shine’s hole in the middle. The two know each other well, being teammates in the Derrick Rose-led Memphis team that reached the 2006 US NCAA Final Four and 2008 Final.

 “They’ve found the import that they need. They’ve got the right piece in the finals. He’s the right fit for their system. He’s a cause of problem for us,” said Compton of Niles.