STAR and Alaska seek to rediscover their deadly defensive forms as the skidding squads square off on Saturday afternoon when the PBA Governors’ Cup goes on the road again at the Panabo City Multipurpose Tourism, Cultural, and Sports Center in Davao del Norte.
The Hotshots and Aces are both in the midst of losing streaks as they have somehow slacked on what they’re known for. But one of them will put an end to their slump at the expense of the other as they face off in the lone out-of-town game that tips off at 5 p.m.
The Hotshots hope to arrest a two-game skid and grab only their second win in six games, while the Aces are eager to get back on track and improve their 1-3 win-loss record after losing their last three games.
“Sana manalo kami sa hustle chart, dun kami mag-stick,” Hotshots veteran point guard Mark Barroca said after his team’s 88-85 loss to NLEX last week. “Kasi nga sa mga points naman…andyan, pero pag ofensive rebound wala kaming nakukuha.”
“Against Alaska, ganun sila eh, hustle din yun eh,” he added. “Yun yung pagtrabahuhan namin.”
The Hotshots tapped a new import in Joel Wright to try to address their woes. Although Marqus Blakely’s replacement registered 28 points, 15 boards, three blocks, and three assists in his debut, he missed a crucial floater that could’ve tied the game for his team with less than 30 seconds left.
“Alam niya naman yung team pinasukan niya: nag-Grand Slam, so pressure din sa kanya,” Hotshots star James Yap said of Wright. “Tutulungan na lang namin siya.”
The Aces have also had a rough start with LaDontae Henton leading their campaign, with their latest loss at the hands of Rain or Shine, 117-114, last Saturday.