Who’s up, who’s down

There are three unbeaten teams that have played at least a game in the PBA Governors Cup and one of them is NLEX which posted identical 2-9 records in the last two conferences this season. San Miguel Beer and TNT KaTropa were excused from playing in the first five twinbills after figuring in the last Commissioner’s Cup Finals but they’re ready to get back into action. TNT makes its Governors Cup debut against Kia in the first game of an Ynares Antipolo doubleheader today while San Miguel faces Blackwater, also in Antipolo, tomorrow.

Winless are Alaska, Kia, Blackwater and defending champion Barangay Ginebra. The Aces, Picanto and Elite are in the cellar with 0-2 marks. Ginebra was stunned by Meralco, 93-78, in its conference opener last Sunday. The Aces’ losing streak goes back to the previous conference where they finished with eight straight setbacks. So Alaska is now riding a 10-game losing skid and hasn’t won since trimming Rain Or Shine, 105-102, last April 2. The Aces haven’t tasted a win in over 100 days, a surprising downturn that is unusual for the proud Alaska franchise. The slip is the longest in Alaska history since entering the league in 1986. Alaska coach Alex Compton has led the Aces to four Finals since taking over from Luigi Trillo two games into the 2014 Governors Cup. So in nine conferences at the helm, Compton’s batting average of 44.4 percent in advancing to the Finals isn’t bad at all. 

Compton came closest to nailing a title in the Philippine Cup last season. That was when the Aces raced to a 3-0 series lead only to lose four in a row in another bridesmaid finish. What was extremely painful was San Miguel won Games 4 and 5 in overtime.  Alaska made a drastic lineup change in the last Commissioner’s Cup, trading R. J. Jazul to Phoenix for Simon Enciso. That broke up Jvee Casio’s long-time partnership with Jazul in the Aces backcourt. Whether the deal will make Alaska tougher in the long term is still under question. At the moment, fans are wondering if moving out a tested performer in Jazul was a smart decision.

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In Alaska’s first loss to NLEX this conference, the Aces were badly mauled off the boards, 72-52. Lack of inside presence was evident as they were outscored in points in the paint, 60-38 and second chance points, 26-8. Alaska bounced back to hold its own in the rebounding department in its second game but still lost to Phoenix, 95-93, as Jazul torched his former team with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Alaska had a foul to give in the last few seconds but allowed Eugene Phelps to hit a driving layup with no time left. Noy Baclao defended Phelps in the perimeter and should’ve given up the foul on his drive. Maybe, LaDontae Henton should’ve picked up Phelps instead of Baclao who’s a better help defender with shot-blocking ability.

Alaska has a chance to break into the win column against Star tonight. But the Hotshots won’t be easy prey. They crushed Blackwater, 103-86, in their first game despite only 15 points by Cinmeon Bowers. Star coach Chito Victolero will suit up replacement import Malcolm Hill against the Aces. Hill, 21, played four years with the University of Illinois varsity and averaged 17.2 points in 35 games this past NCAA season. Bowers, 24, saw action in two years with the Auburn University varsity then made his way to the Israeli league before moving to the PBA. Hill should be an upgrade despite his lack of pro experience. “Hill can play multiple positions plus he can shoot from outside and is a very good defender,” said Victolero. Hill was measured 6-4 1/4 by the PBA. 

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What will work to Alaska’s disadvantage is Calvin Abueva may not report for duty as he’s been called up to the national team which began practice for the FIBA Asia Cup last night. Carl Bryan Cruz may also be unavailable for the same reason. If Casio isn’t 100 percent, Compton will rely on Enciso, Chris Exciminiano and Chris Banchero to shore up the backcourt.

Compton is expected to restudy the Alaska lineup when the season ends. The team’s average age is 29.6 years but six players are at least 30 – Dondon Hontiveros, 40, Tony de la Cruz, 38, Sonny Thoss, 35, Casio, 30, Vic Manuel, 30 and Baclao, 30. 

As for NLEX, coach Yeng Guiao has brought life back to the Road Warriors. Dating back to the previous conference, NLEX has now won five in a row. Guiao’s patience is paying off but it took a personnel revamp to put the ship on course. Bradwyn Guinto, Sean Anthony, Eric Camson, Garvo Lanete and Glenn Khobuntin left for other pastures while Guiao welcomed J. R. Quiñahan, Alex Mallari, Larry Fonacier and Kenneth Ighalo. Guiao’s equal opportunity style has brought out the best in the Road Warriors and chemistry is a big reason why NLEX is back on track.  Kevin Alas’ emergence as a leader is another positive factor and import Aaron Fuller has been a steady force in offense and rebounding. NLEX’ next game is against Phoenix at the Big Dome on Sunday.