INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines—Alaska has taken basically the same path as it had in finishing second in last season’s KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.

The Aces try to sustain their 4-0 start when they clash with the second-running Sta. Lucia Realtors Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. with the Aces picked slightly over the equally formidable Realtors, who hold a 3-1 record.

San Miguel shoots for a third straight win earlier against winless Rain or Shine at 5 p.m.

“Obviously, the goal is to better that,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone when informed that they have equaled their hot start last season. “Did we lose the fifth game? That’s important, because I need that to motivate my players.”

The Aces did lose their fifth game but still played with enough savvy the rest of the way to make the best-of-seven Finals before losing the deciding game to Talk ‘N Text.

Alaska is flashing a fluid game that has already brought down powerhouse squads Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel. The Aces are getting key contributions when they need it, with Willie Miller stepping up big-time in the first two games.

After completing just the third triple double of his career in his season debut against Barako Bull, Miller scattered 25 points and had nine rebounds in the Phoenix road game against San Miguel.

But Alaska is not all Miller.

Reynel Hugnatan, in fact, won Player of the Week honors last week, while LA Tenorio is proving to be one of the league’s finest point guards.

Sta. Lucia will bank on its tenacious defense while hoping to squeeze big games from Joseph Yeo, Ryan Reyes and Kelly Williams.

San Miguel, meanwhile, has won its last two games by lopsided margins, including a 100-90 victory over the Tropang Texters.