PBA CC SF: 2 Meralco vs 3 Alaska

This is why he's here
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

Just a couple of entries ago, we remember mentioning how the Meralco Bolts and the Alaska Aces are arguably the only PBA teams that would remind you of how college ball is played: all grit, hustle, frenetic pace, some ugly offense here and there but more or less players running their respective systems to a perfect "T."

Now, we will be able to see which team runs the better set/s and who will advance to the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals.

There are also other interesting back stories here; such as how former Aces coach Luigi Trillo is now part of the Bolts' team. For those who are new here, Trillo is the man behind the Aces' resurgence post-Tim Cone. He is the guy who drafted Calvin Abueva and changed a then dated culture/ philosophy. He is also the guy who brought in another current Aces' star: Vic Manuel. Good or bad, he has a lot of inside track on the Aces' core players.

Sige na nga, count na natin yung Ryan Buenafe potential "look at me now" revenge game.

Babyfat Assassin FTW 

In the Elimination phase, the Bolts beat the Aces, 107-101 thanks to Onauku's monstrous 28 points and 19 rebounds statline backed by a hot-shooting Jimmy Alapag 16/0/2, Jared Dillinger 16/1/2 and Chris Newsome 11/7/2. On the flip side, Calvin Abueva was tremendous, posting 27/9/0 with RJ Jazul 12/3/2, Cyrus Baguo 12/4/5 and Chris Banchero 12/3/0 pitching in.

As for the import, well, there lies the problem/ unknown.

The Aces squared off with the Bolts with Shane Edwards in tow. Against the beastly Onuaku, Edwards was flat out dominated and could only put up 12 points and 7 rebounds. This was their 2nd to the last game, and his performance probably made it easier for Coach Alex Compton to go back to Rob Dozier, Jr.

What we saw in that game:

- Abueva had a huge chip on his shoulder. He has put an end to the "who's better: Hodge or Abueva" debate, and now appears to be bent on also distancing himself from the "who's better: Abueva or Newsome" one that is starting to gain some steam because of their somewhat similar style of play.

- If you are going to guard Alapag with RJ Jazul, it is going to be a long, LONG night for the Letranite.

- Bolts coach Norman Black has found his Noy Baclao 2.0 in Cliff Hodge. New and improved. Half the IQ but double the athleticism.

PG Jimmy Alapag/ Baser Amer vs Chris Banchero/ RJ Jazul
Until Banchero learns to shoot a three ball or Jazul to run an offense without thinking "shoot-first, pass never," then school is going to be in session. Alapag's got that look back in his eyes, the one that screams "Finals or bust" and he's playing like he doesn't even need Amer. Like he can do this until he's 50.
Adv. Meralco

SG Chris Newsome vs Cyrus Baguio/ Dondon Hontiveros
Hontiveros and Baguio will have their nights, sure. But Newsome will bring it on both ends as an emerging star guard all while forcing the aging Aces' duo to try and keep in step. Best way for the veterans to play this is to force Newsome to take the jumper or to try and put the ball on the floor where they can use their collective smarts to slow him down. But if Newsome gets some steam, like get a few steps in for the drive, there is just no way for the Aces to stop him-- let alone up in the air.
Adv. Meralco

SF Jared Dillinger vs Calvin Abueva
"RESPECT THE GAME! RESPECT THE GAME!" shouted choke-artist Dillinger on a smiling Abueva who he had by the throat-- literally. We remember that game. And how Abueva just brushed it off like nothing, while it ruined Dillinger's night. There will be alot of skirmishes in this one, specially since Abueva knows that Dillinger isn't fond of all the hits and theatrics.
Adv. Alaska

PF Cliff Hodge vs Sonny Thoss
This is basically the same as the Alapag vs Jazul match-up, only in reverse. Hodge's athleticism will work, but so will Thoss' inside forays. Think DeAndre Jordan versus Tim Duncan. Reynel Hugnatan and John Ferriols will get a lot of daylight in this match-up for sure. But then there's Eric Menk. Nice vintage match-up. Noy Baclao vs Hodge will also be good. Wonder if Baclao will try to show Hodge who Black's "original defensive hybrid 4 monster" is.
Adv. Alaska

C Arinze Onuaku vs Rob Dozier, Jr.
We didn't get to see this match-up. But now it makes plenty of sense. Onuaku obliterated Edwards by simply moving him out of the way. Dozier isn't as big or strong, but he is quicker on his feet (and hands). Problem here is, Dozier isn't quite the scorer, so Onuaku won't be challenged as much. But if Dozier can control the boards and push the pace, the Bolts will be forced to play 4 on 5 each time down.
Adv. Tied

For the Aces to win:

- They need Abueva to be on his A game. He makes it all work. #wenotme is B.S. if you take out Abueva. Take him out, and the Aces look vanilla and easily readable for defensive coaches. With him out there, it changes the complexity of the game a lot.

- Crash the boards and run, leave Onuaku huffing and puffing.

Would be nice if their guards could show up in games consistently too.

And if Menk can power on for a few more games, if Manuel is really lost for the remainder of the Playoffs.

For the Bolts to win:

- Stay composed and aggressive. This is where having Alapag will prove to be big, because any time Abueva tries to create chaos, Alapag is wise enough to pull his team together and get the job done be it by getting on his guys ears or just knocking down a run-breaking three.

- Make their outside shots. Not sure if you can win a series with only your point guards as your 3 ball options. The Aces will definitely enjoy runs from Hontiveros or Jazul, so that could spell the difference.

Also: Calvin Abueva vs Kelly Nabong. Fireworks.

Honestly expect this series to be more physical than the SMB-RoS one.

Prediction: Alaska