ANOTHER ROAD TEST!

For the past two years, Alaska has never been successful playing outside the metropolis. And the Aces are out to disprove that.

With a two-game winning streak in hand, Alaska hopes to end its road game woes against the surging Coca-Cola in Bogo City in Cebu City at 6:15 in the evening on Thursday."I think among the teams we have the most number of out-of-town games in the tournament. And I think they are doing injustice to us," said Aces mentor Tim Cone in jest.

"It will really test us because we've been unsuccessful in the last two years and we must learn how to dig deeper," he added.

For the record, Alaska has lost 11 of its last 12 provincial games, losing its last two, a far cry from its previous records in the past.

"That's where we missed Johnny (Abarrientos). Johnny used to dominate our out-of-town games because he never got tired," Cone explained, referring to the team's 28-34 win-loss record on the road prior the woes.

"But now, we don't have that kind of player in this team. And we're going to Bogo for the first time. The tough trip, the heat of the gym. They contributed a lot," he added.

Ironically, Cone and Alaska will be meeting Abarrientos and the Tigers in the out-of-town match. The last time they hooked a win in the province was on December 9 last year then they thumped FedEx, 114-102 in Urdaneta City.

After a slow start at 0-3, the Aces have won three of their last four games, including the last two. And they did it through their defense.

Alaska limited FedEx, the league's top scoring team with 97.5 points per game, way below its normal offensive game, hacking out an impressive 87-83 victory last Friday.

Prior to that, the Aces also stop the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs to a 76-66 conquest.

"I'm happy that we're getting these (wins) because of our defense. I believe defense defines the character of your team," Cone stated.

Import Dickey Simpkins has been the center of the uprising of the Aces, contributing more on the defense rather than scoring.

"Dickey is out there to win for us no matter what it takes. He's more than happy doing the dirty works," Cone explained.

Dimpkins is averaging 21 points, 19.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.67 blocks. He is second in rebounds and blocks categories in the tournament.

Alaska is now 2-1 under Simpkins, who replaced Leon Derricks, and Mike Cortez' return also contributed a lot in the streak.

Cortez, who sat out at the start of the tournament due to back problems, averages 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals in the last two wins of Alaska.

"I just hope we can dig more deep because it will definitely be a long climb for us. But the team is really having a good chemistry," Cone ended.