Nov 10, 2018

Meralco seeks to extend winning streak to 7 games as Bolts start semifinal series vs. Alaska Aces

For all their playoff successes, the Alaska Milk Aces have not had much playoff history with the Meralco Bolts.

For both, it's about pursuing a title aspiration as the Aces and the Bolts clash in their side of the PBA Governors Cup best-of-five semifinals, beginning Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Both are riding a great wave of momentum going to Game One with the opening tip at 6:30 a.m.

Meralco has survived no less than six straight do-or-die matches while Alaska has got past powerhouse San Miguel in their quarterfinals matchup.

The Bolts now pursue a third straight Governors Cup finale while Alaska has its sights set on a first title playoff in seven conferences.

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"I have the highest respect for coach Norman, Meralco, Allen Durham and how hard they are playing. I was so impressed watching them play. I know we have a real battle on our hands in this series," said Alaska coach Alex Compton.

In completing a great turnaround from a 1-6 start in the conference, Black, meanwhile, is now focused on pushing his team forward.

He's now very positive with what they have achieved in their last six games and on how they're playing going into the semis.

"A lot of these turnaround was caused by the all-around game of Allen Durham. He's scoring, rebounding the ball, and defending. Then if he leads like that, his teammates are going to follow," said Black.

And Black said all his players are just determined to stay in the hunt.

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"It's the desire of the players to continue winning. This conference, we've done well in the last two years with Allen. It would be pretty bad to get eliminated immediately. That's why the body is fighting. We know we have a good import and all we need to do is to support him and give ourselves a chance of winning," said Black.

The Aces, however, have their own gem of an import in Mike Harris.

Then there have been the consistent outstanding performances of Chris Banchero and Vic Manuel, and the killer pressing game of the Alaska team.

Black feels, though, that they have been prepared by their Phoenix matchup for the Alaska series.

"We might be fortunate that we played Phoenix in the quarters because they're a pressing team. They force a lot of turnovers. They score a lot points off turnovers and off fastbreaks, very similar to what Alaska does," said Black.

"We'll see pretty much things we saw against Phoenix. So our press breaks and all the things we have to do to break their pressure and get the ball down court will come in handy when we face Alaska," Black added.

"Of course, Alaska is a different team, with a different set of personnel but similar principles. Maybe because coach Alex and coach Louie (Alas) used to work together."

In the elims, the Aces whipped the Bolts, 80-72.(SB)