PBA: Alaska guns for solo lead vs Pilipinas-Smart Gilas

Powerhouse San Miguel gets an immediate look at how its core of young acquisitions fit in its system as it seeks a first win in the PBA Commissioners Cup against Meralco Friday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Beermen take the floor less than 48 hours after consummating a blockbuster deal with the Air21 Express that saw the league’s winningest ball club parting ways with long-time residents Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros, Dorian Pena and Paul Artadi. In return, the team got from the Express the top three rookie picks in last year’s draft, namely Noy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra. The trade came in the wake of the Beermen’s two runner-up finishes in the last two conferences and a 0-1 start in the short yet competitive elimination round of the current import-laden conference. Incidentally, Air21 dealt San Miguel its first loss right on its opening outing Friday last week, 92-87, behind a career-high 31 points from guard Josh Urbiztondo. For the Beermen, the perfect time to rebuild its future begins now. “This is the right time to rebuild the San Miguel Beer team. So with this in mind, the trade with Air 21 Express will be the important first step for us to ensure the continuing success of the San Miguel Beer franchise," said Agustin in a statement released shortly after the trade was consummated Wednesday night. “Although this trade will not be a quick fix for the team, we believe that Rabeh Al Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and RJ Guevarra will slowly but surely be molded into the San Miguel system." Meralco also undertook a massive roster shake-up prior to the start of the tournament, shoring up its bench by acquiring firebrand guard Sol Mercado, workhorse Reynel Hugnatan, and deadly shooter Ren-Ren Ritualo in a similar mega-trade involving Alaska and Air21. So far, the chemistry hasn’t quite worked out for the Bolts, who dropped their first two games against Rain or Shine and Ginebra for a 0-2 card. “We don’t have the luxury of time. We are still trying to stabilize our game, but the tournament is so short. We have to address a lot of problems, especially our defense," said Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio. Alaska, meanwhile, guns for the solo lead in the main game at 7:30 p.m. when it tests the mettle of unbeaten Pilipinas-Smart Gilas. The Aces currently share top spot with Rain or Shine at 2-0 after winning their first two games — a 106-82 rout of Powerade and a 95-94 squeaker over Barangay Ginebra. Coach Tim Cone sees an entirely different ballgame against the young and hefty Nationals, who debuted with aplomb last week with a stunning 103-98 win over reigning all-Filipino champion Talk `N Text, 103-98. “They're young, big, athletic, they shoot well and are well-coached and disciplined. That’s a tough combination," Cone admitted. “We’ll have to find a way to disrupt their execution." At the helm of Cone’s concern is naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit, who made his presence felt inside by scoring 16 points and pounding the boards for 26 rebounds. For Smart Gilas, the feeling is mutual, though. “It will be a difficult game for us," said Gilas coach Rajko Toroman. “Alaska played very good in their last two games. They have good chemistry and their import (LD Williams) fits them." The Nationals will be missing the services of Mac Baracael for the rest of the tournament after the 6-foot-3 forward fractured his left middle finger in the game against the Texters. But the team welcomes back big man Japeth Aguilar, who sees action for the first time in four months after suffering a knee injury prior to the Nationals’ stint in the Guangzhou Asian Games. - KY, RCJ, GMA News