Kings need more energy to beat Aces

Outhustled, outmuscled and… outsmarted.

That’s what Alaska did Wednesday night in bringing mighty Ginebra San Miguel down to its knees via a 104-97 win in the opening game of their quarterfinal series in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Even Ginebra coach Ato Agustin admitted it with a tinge of sadness.

Ato Agustin

“Na-outhustled kami and also, ‘yung physicality of the game, na-agrabiyado kami dun,” said Agustin.

Yes, the form that made Ginebra the best team during the elimination round was non-existent allowing the Aces to win their third do-or-die game in four days to force a sudden death encounter tomorrow at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Agustin added that Ginebra was a bit slow on its defensive rotations, allowing Alaska to fire 12 triples in the game. Dondon Hontiveros made five on his way to 18 points while JV Casio had three of his own.

“Maganda yung percentage nila sa labas. Imagine, 60 percent sila sa three-point shots? Masyadong kami na-frustrate saka nag-give up yung team so we need to do something,” said Agustin.

Ginebra also couldn’t neutralize Alaska’s Calvin Abueva, who after a roller-coaster performance in the elims produced 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Abueva’s effort came despite the presence of Ginebra’s twin towers in rookie Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, who combined for 34 points and 26 rebounds.

Agustin, however, felt that the two former Ateneo stars were no match for the Aces forward known as “The Beast”.

“Sabi ko nga sa team eh, eight offensive rebounds ang nakuha ni Calvin eh,” said Agustin, who coached Abueva for two seasons with the San Sebastian in the NCAA. “He stands just 6-foot-2, kailangan lang talaga maging aggressive sa rebounds.”

Agustin added that he doesn’t have to adjust on the game plan too much but the players have to come out with more energy.