2016 PBA GC QF: 3 Ginebra vs 6 Alaska

It's Japeth's time
(Photo credits to the owner)

Paki taas lang po ng kamay yung mga Alaska fans na nakahinga ng maluwag na hindi San Miguel ang napares sa kanila sa Quarterfinals. Seriously, we wouldn’t blame the Gatas Republic if they have developed some sort of Beermen-trauma by now.

That being said, it should be rather entertaining to see the “Never Say Die” heirs squaring off with the “No Quit Squad” with much of the focus squarely on Calvin Abueva. It is no secret that Abueva loves to play against Ginebra (and their legion of fans); and that since he has been inserted into the starting unit the Aces have been on a roll in the PBA Governor’s Cup.

Here is how we see the match-ups playing out:

PG L.A. Tenorio/ Scottie Thompson vs JVee Casio/ Chris Banchero
As good as Tenorio has been playing, Casio has always been at his very best when the two are matched-up so this should be an interesting duel. It’s not like both can lock the other down, so it will all boil down to who can run his team’s offense better. The ace up Coach Alex Compton’s sleeve here will definitely be Banchero, who is a lot bigger and stronger than Tenorio and his rookie back-up Thompson. Don’t be surprised however if Banchero slides up to the two and we see Ping Exciminiano getting some minutes on the floor to pester The Gineral.
Adv. Tied

SG Mark Caguioa/ Sol Mercado vs Kevin Racal
Mercado has been balling as of late under a more “loose” version of the Triangle Offense. He has been getting to the rim, knocking down jumpshots and pretty much looks like he has gotten Coach Tim’s vote of confidence moving forward (instead of being made to look expendable like earlier this season). Racal, Rome dela Rosa and maybe Banchero will have their moments, but we don’t think it would be enough to neutralize Mercado. Oh, and despite the age, legs and weight, Mark Caguioa always, ALWAYS delivers.
Adv. Ginebra

SF Japeth Aguilar vs Ladontae Henson
Thank heavens that Ginebra has a twice-to-beat advantage which means Aguilar can ball-out and put everything into trying to contain Alaska’s quiet-but-deadly import. That is the price that the 6”9 athlete has to pay since their import, Brownlee, is more of an inside operator.  Ginebra fans just need to pray that Henson doesn’t know the art of pump fakes.
Adv. Alaska

PF Joe DeVance vs Calvin Abueva/Vic Manuel
We take this Internet space to pray for the mental and physical health of DeVance as he battles Abueva and Manuel, who do not want to go on vacation just yet.
Adv. Alaska

C Justin Brownlee vs Sonny Thoss
Likewise, we pray for the soul of the dead-legged Thoss.
Adv. Ginebra

X-factor: Sol Mercado

Prediction: Ginebra