LIMIT Rain or Shine’s fastbreak points by slowing down the tempo of the game.
Import Henry Walker said that’s basically Alaska’s game plan against Rain or Shine in the opener of their PBA Governors Cup semifinals series Friday, which the Aces won, 97-93.
The Aces did that by holding the Elasto Painters to just two fastbreak points in the entire second half, while forcing them to six turnovers in the final period.
“That’s what they (Elasto Painters) do, get out and run. That’s how they beat us by 51 points on a lot of fastbreak points and a lot of (forced) turnovers,” said Walker in explaining how Rain or Shine dealt Alaska its franchise-worst 123-72 beating two weeks ago at the Philsports Arena.
Walker, who pumped in 20 of his game-high 31 points in the second half, said by slowing the tempo of the game, the Aces were able to play through their strength while allowing big men like Sonny Thoss and Vic Manuel to score at the post.
“We just try to slow the game down. We can’t play them in that (running game) kind of style,” said the former New York Knick forward.
“You see them beat (San Mig Super) Coffee, and all those teams, by just running. So we have to slow it down and make it a grind,” he added.
But while Alaska enjoys a 1-0 lead, Walker warned the rest of the Aces from falling into a false sense of security at this point.
“1-0, that means nothing. That just the first of three (wins). We’re gonna feel good about this tonight, get back to it (practice) tomorrow, go over our scheme and stuffs like that, but just can’t be satisfied right now,” said the 26-year-old former Kansas State star.
Alaska shoots for a commanding 2-0 lead on Sunday.
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