ALASKA Milk plays Terrafirma Sunday in the closing stage of a back-breaker of a schedule.
For both sides, it's a virtual playoff match.
Regardless of the result of the Alaska-TNT duel Saturday, the Aces are hard-pressed to win the game to fuel their quarterfinal hopes in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Terrafirma, meanwhile, fights for dear life in its last game in the elimination play at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
After a 0-4 start, the Dyip wheeled into the thick of things with successive wins over San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater only to stagger again with three straight losses to Phoenix Super LPG, NorthPort and Meralco.
Sponsored content:
At 3-7, they try to salvage their last game for a possible playoff crack at a quarterfinals entry. They automatically kiss their hopes goodbye with a loss.
Alaska would be either 4-4 or 3-5 going to the match.
It's the last part of a lung-buster of a sked after the need to undergo the league's health and safety protocols.
Before the grind, they prepared for it physically and mentally, and they succeeded in the get-go with an 89-75 whipping of the Barangay Ginebra Kings Friday.
"Today, we survived and tomorrow, it's another battle we are going to face," said Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso. "But for today, I commend the team. They stayed focused and maintained composure throughout the game."
Sponsored content:
The Aces pulled through practically only on the effort of a 10-man crew led by Abu Tratter, Maverick Ahanmisi, Jeron Teng, Rob Herndon and Mik Digregorio who all contributed double-digit outputs.
Also in the mix were Jvee Casio, Jaycee Marcelino, Rodney Brondial, Gab Banal and Ben Adamos. Playing cameo roles were RK Ilagan and Kevin Ebona.
But the question is can the Aces maintain their energy, spunk and firepower in three successive games playing with a shorthanded lineup. (SB)
