Two teams coming off losses in the PBA restart will collide this Saturday afternoon, with the Alaska Aces taking on the San Miguel Beermen. Who takes the W?

Catch this game live on September 4 at 4:35 pm, Manila time.

The Alaska Aces (2-4)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Mike DiGregorio
  • SG: Maverick Ahanmisi
  • SF: Jeron Teng
  • PF: Rodney Brondial
  • C: Abu Tratter

The PBA restart did not take off well for the Aces, as they suffered an 84-74 loss against the Kiefer Ravena-less NLEX Road Warriors on Thursday. Alaska is now on a two-game slide as the Aces also lost to the Meralco Bolts, 89-80, back in July, just before the league suspended the conference. The Aces shot just 32% from the field, perhaps because they were still finding their rhythm after a long break, but the team at least managed to drill 11 3-pointers. The outside shot has been a main weapon of the Aces this conference. 

In fact, they are making 35.62% of their threes, the best in the PBA, so far in the conference. The Aces are being led by the duo of Mike DiGregorio and Yousif Taha, who are averaging 11.5 and 11.4 points, respectively. Taha will have his hands full against the Beermen’s Junemar Fajardo, but the Aces also have plenty of big bodies to throw at The Kraken, with Rodney Brondial, Abu Tratter, and Kevin Ebona.

Advertisement

The San Miguel Beermen (3-2)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Chris Ross
  • SG: Terrence Romeo
  • SF: Marcio Lassiter
  • PF: Arwind Santos
  • C: Junemar Fajardo

The PBA is full of surprises for fans — and bad beats for bettors. Just take for example the Beermen’s 110-104 overtime loss to the Terrafirma Dyip last Wednesday. As if the result was not surprising enough, Terrafirma pulled off the upset without needing Roosevelt Adams and Joshua Munzon, who both sat out the game with health issues. That’s got to be a big slap in the face of the dynastic Beermen, but if anything, that loss could mean bad news for Alaska, which will be facing an angry San Miguel squad. 

Despite the loss, San Miguel’s offensive firepower was on full display against the Dyip. Terrence Romeo paced the Beermen with 28 points, Arwind Santos had 19, while Mo Tautuaa, Chris Ross, and CJ Perez each had 10. And they all came up with those numbers despite committing 24 turnovers.  Expect a stronger focus on ball security this time around for San Miguel, as it takes on the Aces.

PREDICTION:

Spread: The loss to Terrafirma must be so embarrassing for the Beermen. Expect San Miguel to bounce back big time against Alaska, though I’m taking the Aces here to cover because of their ability to keep possessions alive and San Miguel’s turnover issues.

Over/Under: San Miguel is No. 1 in the PBA in pace, but Alaska’s rebounding could turn the game slower than what the Beermen are used to. Take the Under.