Aces more confident going into Game 6, says Hontiveros

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Dondon Hontiveros couldn’t tell if the pressure is now with Rain or Shine, which has dropped the last two games of the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Alaska.

The Aces swingman, however, is certain that the Aces are gaining confidence the longer they hang around.

“Kami pa rin yung behind. Hindi ko masasabi if nasa kanila yung pressure. Kumbaga, sa quarterfinals sila yung may twice-to-beat so may advantage rin sila,” said Hontiveros. “They have more time to really adjust and prepare other things, to counter our defense.”

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“Masasabi ko, we are more confident going into Game 6 kasi nakita namin na if we put on more effort sa defensive plan at magawa namin ng tama, we make it harder for them.”

Things will be much different if Alaska goes on to win Game 6 on Wednesday, as per Hontiveros’ teammate Cyrus Baguio.

“Kapag nanalo kami bukas, nasa sa kanila na yung pressure kasi patas na yung laban,” said Baguio on Tuesday.

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But for Alaska head coach Alex Compton, while the pressure is on both teams Alaska has more to lose in Game 6.

That doesn’t change

“It’s the Finals. I think there’s an equal amount of pressure. We have to win or it’s over. If they don’t win, it’s not over,” Compton said after wrapping up practice at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

“So if you’d ask me who’s in more dire situation, it would be us. If we don’t win, it’s over. So we have to win.”