Aces veteran Vic Manuel acknowledges that Alaska has had a poor showing recently in the playoffs against San Miguel.
The Aces have gone 0-3 against the Beermen in three championship showdowns during a four-conference stretch dating back to the 2014-15 Philippine Cup. But third-seeded Alaska enters Wednesday's 2018 Governors' Cup quarterfinal match armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, and Manuel said the team is not dwelling on past losses.
"In the last three years, it's true that they have dominated us, especially in the playoffs," Manuel told ESPN5 on the eve of their match against SMB. "We need to stick to the game plan, be focused and play smart. We also need to take good care of the basketball because again, San Miguel is a very talented and they got even stronger with Christian [Standhardinger] in the team."
Manuel has averaged 15.91 points and 5.09 rebounds this conference -- impressive stats that have helped his team make up for the loss of Calvin Abueva, who was dealt to Phoenix last August.
But the Aces forward isn't taking credit for Alaska's impressive 8-3 record at the end of the elimination round -- noting that guards Chris Banchero and Simon Enciso as well as rookie Jeron Teng have contributed on both ends of the floor. Of course, import Mike Harris has also played a big part in Alaska's success by averaging 29.82 points and 21.73 rebounds this conference.
The Beermen, meanwhile, are keenly aware about their precarious position in the season-ending conference.
"I told everyone in practice that there's no more inch for us to move at this point," SMB forward Arwind Santos said. "It's like we're at the brink of falling off the cliff. Now we need to move forward only. So my question to my teammates is, 'Will we let Alaska push us off the cliff?'"
San Miguel does have top slotman June Mar Fajardo back after he missed much of the conference with a fractured right shin. But Santos said the Beermen can't rely solely on the four-time league MVP.
"June Mar is not yet 100 percent," Santos said. "We know that, but we also believe June Mar wants to help the team. We believe he can still help the team, though for everyone of us, what's important is playing with a sense of urgency," explained the 37-year-old SMB forward. - Richard Dy
Phoenix eyes first semifinals berth
Reaching the semifinals for the first time in franchise history is a huge motivation in itself for Phoenix heading to its 2018 Governors' Cup quarterfinal showdown against Meralco on Wednesday.
The Fuel Masters played well in the conference and clinched the second seed behind an impressive 8-3 record. Their hunger for recognition was evident Sunday when they beat the Blackwater Elite, 97-91 to secure the last of the four coveted twice-to-beat advantages.
Phoenix now intends to deal a quick knockout against a hot Meralco squad. The Bolts secured the seventh seed by ending the eliminations on a four-game winning streak and clinched a playoff berth after routing San Miguel Beer 111-81 on Saturday.
"Yes, we're in the top four, but that's just the eliminations," said Phoenix coach Louie Alas. "Now we want to make it to the top four of the tournament. So at least, we're one win away from that."
The Fuel Masters will be facing a Bolts side that finished second in the Governors' Cup the past two seasons. For Meralco, the team intends to keep its winning streak going in a bid to stay alive.
Allen Durham has been churning out the usual numbers on both ends of the floor, while Chris Newsome, Baser Amer and Cliff Hodge serve as key contributors for the team.
Meralco coach Norman Black reminded the Bolts that there's no room for complacency since one loss would put a swift end to their title hopes.
"This is our fifth must-win game in a row so again we will treat it with a sense of urgency," said Black, whose team clinched a playoff berth.