FOR the third time in the last four conferences and for the second straight time in the Philippine Cup, Alaska has made the finals of the Philippine Basketball Association.
Following heartbreaks in their last two finals appearances, the Aces, who are currently waiting who it will take on in the last phase of the tournament, are looking forward to the challenge ahead in the big stage as they will have yet another chance to bag a championship.
Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu is optimistic of his team’s chances and he certainly wants nothing more than to hoist the coveted All-Filipino trophy.
‘’I would want nothing more than to present championship rings for our next All-Filipino win,’’ said the jubilant Uytengsu right after his Aces finished off inexperienced GlobalPort in the semifinals Tuesday night.
It was another day in the office for Alaska in its close-out game as it completely outclassed GlobalPort, 118-89, in Game 5 to wrap the semis series at 4-1 and barge to yet another finals appearance.
This is Alaska’s 29th stint in the finals, 10th in the Philippine Cup. It will shoot for its 15th overall championship in the league.
Following a surprising Game 1 loss against the Batang Pier in the semifinal opener, the top-seeded Aces got their bearings immediately and dominated the series with ease the rest of the way.
Alaska is now playing the waiting game, either facing rival and defending champion San Miguel Beer or Rain or Shine, who are currently tied at 2-2 in their fierce best-of-seven semis clash, in the finale.
Though optimistic and confident, Uytengsu admitted that it will be a tough task for his team in the finals whoever they face between the two powerhouses fighting for the last ticket in the championship series.
‘’We’re going to play who wins in that series and either way, it’s going to be hard,’’ said Uytengsu. ‘’To be the best, you have to beat the best so whoever comes out there, what matters is for us to win.’’
Alaska coach Alex Compton echoed the sentiments of his boss on what lies ahead for the Aces in the finals.
‘’I really think they’re both excellent teams,’’ said Compton, referring to San Miguel and Rain or Shine. ‘’We just have to be ready for the finals and be at our best and play at a high level consistently.’’
The Aces will also try to end their 15-year All-Filipino title drought in the process.
Alaska will head the finals with a lot of momentum and a completely healthy line-up.