Picking the Aces to win the finals

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

Last Wednesday, basketball buffs watched the first game of the best-of-seven championship series of the PBA’s Philippine Cup and saw how the Alaska Aces recovered from a 22-point deficit, 27-5, in the first quarter but eventually won the match against San Miguel Beermen via overtime, 88-82. It was really amazing how, despite a mere five-point output in the first period (which I believe a PBA’s record low in any championship match), the never-give-up Aces slowly but surely recovered in the last three remaining periods to force an overtime and in the end grabbed the victory. That’s one for the books ‘ika nga.

Yes, the Beermen were exceptional in the first quarter in defense and offense and many expected the Beermen’s victory. But they gradually collapsed in the third, fourth and during the five-minute extra period. San Miguel head coach Leo Austria was stunned by his boys defeat and all praises were heaped on his counterpart the Aces head coach Alex Compton who applied a stifling defense against San Miguel’s big man and key player Junmar Fajardo. Obviously the Aces found the right medicine minimize the point-making of the six-foot-ten Cebuano Fajardo to the delight of the Alaska fans.

The former MBA San Juan Knights forward-guard Compton was so ecstatic that he could find the words to express his elation over his men’s astounding effort. And because of that amazing win by the Aces engineered by their very good defense and outside shooting, basketball virtuosos believe the Aces are a shoo-in to win the crown unless the Beermen improve their defense and good shooting beyond the arc. I agree.

To me, the multi-titled Aces now have the big edge because they have the momentum. Aces fans say it could be a sweep, 4-0, or at least 4-1 or 4-2 and the worst is 4-3 for the Aces. Let’s just wait and see. We can only figure out who is really who in this Philippine Cup finals after the third encounter. But now, I pick the Aces to win the title.

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My big congrats to the Pangasinan Chess League (PCL) under the presidency of Don Juan Vicente Sison and to Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. for holding countless chess tournaments in the province last year. They promised to continue the tilts this season especially now that our very own Haridas Pascua of Mangatarem is on the verge to achieve his full grandmaster norm. In fact Sison texted me late afternoon of January 2 saying that the first chess tourney of Pangasinan this year will be held in Malasiqui on Jan. 10 and 11 to be held at Arenas Civic Center and exclusively for Pangasinenses.

Sison said it will be conducted in two categories, the open and 14-under and Pascua is expected to participate being a Pangasinense. If lucky enough, Pascua, 20, now with elo rating of 2404 will be the first ever Pangasinan GM, surpassing the feat of the late IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso of Anda. Pascua is the new hero to our young wood pushers. And so be it. Mabuhay po kayo mga ginoo and keep up the good work.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: But God demonstrate His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. ROMANS 5: 8-9

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