Alaska faces test in match vs. Talk ‘N Text today

Alaska has had all sorts of tests in its early run of success in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
And today will be more of the same for the streaking Aces.
Alaska, the only undefeated team left in the tournament, battles powerhouse Talk ‘N Text with the Aces seeking to win a fifth straight game and extend their surprising run in the import-spiced conference at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Talk ‘N Text just lost to San Mig Coffee, so we know they’re going to come out with an extra sense of commitment and focus in this game,” said coach Luigi Trillo, who is aching for some measure of revenge considering that the Tropang Texters ousted them in the Philippine Cup semifinals.
Alaska has not started this well since going 6-0 in the 2009 Philippine Cup under old coach Tim Cone. The Aces have a franchise record 11-0 start, but right now, that’s farthest from the mind of Trillo and his over-achieving bunch.
“We do like our match up with them,” Trillo added. “We both seem to bring out the best in each other.” And while Alaska is on a streaking start, the Texters, champions here two seasons ago, will be coming off a lopsided loss to San Mig and are at 2-2 at the moment.
Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black acknowledges the fact that this game is a big one for them.
“It is a huge game for us,” Black said. “It is important that we start to find some consistency on our defense because so far, the effort has been up and down. It is also important that our import stays out of foul trouble because that has been a big part of our demise in our two losses.
“Alaska is playing so well we just have to bring our A game if we want to come out with a win,” added Black.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra finally notched a win Wednesday night after bamboozling Barako Bull, 93-72, also at the Big Dome in Cubao.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa had 23 points and import Vernon Macklin delivered 21 for the Gin Kings, who snapped a four-game opening skid and win for the first time under new coach Alfrancis Chua.
“I just kept telling my players that I still trusted them (despite the bad start) and they they should keep trusting each other,” Chua said. “I told them to keep believing in themselves and keep believing in each other.” The loss was just the second in five games for the Energy, even as Rain or Shine roared to a third straight victory earlier by nipping darkhorse Air21, 99-97.
The Elasto Painters rose to 3-1 even with import Bruno Sundov saddled with fouls for most of the night, getting a critical three-pointer from Ryan Arana in the dying seconds and a key defensive gem from Jireh Ibanes in the final 3.9 seconds.
“We got really lucky in this game. Our import was in foul-trouble most of the second half, played little minutes and fouled out,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said. “We’re really having a problem matching up with their import especially at low post, and at the same time their shooters hit their shots.
“It was a complicated situation for us. We’re fortunate they committed a turnover, making a bad pass in the last play,” Guiao added. “Had it gone to overtime, it’s difficult for us to win this game.”