Alaska head coach Alex Compton lauded his Aces after the squad once again refused to back down, taking Game Five, 86-78 Sunday to cut Rain or Shine‘s 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series lead down to 3-2.
“It was another proud day for our guys. It still does not change my opinion that Rain or Shine is the best offensive team in the league,” Compton said. “But it makes me proud of how we played defense. Wish we played that way earlier in the series.”
“I don’t know when was the last time they scored below 80. That is not ideal for them. We talked about we must defend, we must be strong, and mentally strong tonight. They were mentally strong tonight, I think you saw it,” he added.
The Aces limited the Elasto Painters to the latter’s lowest output in a span of four conferences, holding them down using tremendous defense.
The Elasto Painters shot only 43 percent overall, and misfired from long range, making only 6-for-30, the lowest connect rate they’ve shot from beyond the arc in the series. The team also committed 21 turnovers.
“Great defensive effort. This is the first time they didn’t make like a hundred threes. Really credit to the guys,” Compton said.
“The thing I appreciate from our guys is we had two knock out games. We had a knock out game against Meralco (Game Five), we had two knock out games here. I know we’ve had a tough start (in the series) but I really do appreciate the guys’ heart. You see that when they stepped up in those five knock out games.”
Compton again reiterated the Aces finally played like themselves, but is also wary that the Elasto Painters remain dangerous. The mentor is bracing for the adjustments the Elasto Painters shall do and is hoping the entire squad can react for Game Six.
“The last two games we looked like a diferent team than the first three games. But again it does not mean Rain or Shine can’t close it out. They are a great team. I just want us to play this way,” he said.
“I expect the next few days Rain or Shine will have some pretty good adjustments. We will just have to react on new things we see on Wednesday.”
