Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Alaska faces the daunting task of playing two straight games in two nights when the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup travels to Dubai this weekend.
Bidding to keep their hot streak going, the Aces tackle the Mahindra Enforcers on Friday at the Al Wasl Stadium before taking on crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra the following day.
The Enforcers and the Gin Kings are still winless after two games in the ongoing all-Filipino conference, enough motivation for them to chalk up a triumph at Alaska’s expense.
On a roll, the Aces will ride the momentum of their twin victories over Talk N Text and Blackwater but have to keep up with the speed and energy of Mahindra and Barangay Ginebra’s fresh legs.
Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text defeated the Enforcers while the Kings are still groping for form under the triangle of coach Tim Cone.
PBA chief executive officer Chito Salud expressed gratitude on Alaska’s acceptance to play in a rigorous schedule similar to what Rain Or Shine did when the league brought its act to the United Arab Emirates last season.
The league is bringing some of its games overseas as a way of acknowledging thousands of overseas Filipino workers whose dollar remittances contribute to the economic growth of the country.
“It’s one way of saying thank you to our countrymen who endure loneliness and at times, even hostile working conditions, to be able to support their families back home,’’ said Salud.
Filipino boxing icon and Mahindra coach Manny Pacquiao will accompany the Enforcers, who left this morning via Singapore Airlines along with the Aces.
The Kings are set to leave Wednesday morning.
“Without fail, the PBA is always rewarded by the warmest reception one can receive. Dubai ranks up there when it comes to the intensity of reception the PBA gets every time we go there,’’ he added.
Also set to leave Tuesday are deputy commissioner Rickie Santos and media bureau chief Willie Marcial together with Salud and the technical officials. Commissioner Chito Narvasa will follow after the Mall of Asia Arena games on Wednesday.
Player of the Week
Fil-American guard Stanley Pringle of Global Port was named Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for Oct. 26-Oct.31.
The former Penn State alum dropped 13 of his game-high 23 points to lead the Batang Pier over Star in a huge 101-94 upset for the team’s first win in the ongoing Philippine Cup.
He bested NLEX forward Sean Anthony and Alaska’s Vic Manuel for the citation.