Cory Jefferson. PBA IMAGES
Cory Jefferson has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Alaska, as evidenced by a 2-0 record after the Aces pummeled Blackwater on Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum to take a piece of the early elimination round lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
But coach Alex Compton said it would take more than just a great import—even one who came in as an emergency replacement—to reclaim this championship, which it won in 2013.
“We don’t need the import to win us a championship,” Compton said after getting 28 points and 15 rebounds from the NBA veteran. “We need everyone to win a championship; everyone has responsibilities in this team.”
To underscore that: There were four locals in twin digits for Compton, and with total team effort, the Aces peeled away in the second period to lead by as large as 21 and post yet another authoritative win on the heels of a 107-79 ripping of GlobalPort last Saturday.
“Coaches are satisfied when they win championships,” Compton answered when asked what he could say of their 2-0 start. “We need to continue to get sharper. We’ve been in the Finals and we haven’t won yet.
“Not getting as sharp as you can get will not bring you championships,” he said. “And that is what we want to do (during the elimination round).”
Blackwater tumbled to a second straight defeat and the mediocre offensive game put up by import Gregory Smith didn’t help the Elite one bit.
After debuting with 37 points, Smith finished with just 14 against Alaska.
In the nightcap, Star debuted in style with a 101-82 victory over Phoenix Petroleum.
The Hotshots sent the Fuel Masters to a 1-1 card.