By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Alaska Aces will play three straight games in their return to the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup action this week at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Aces, currently at 11th place in the standings with 2-4 slate, will first face Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings at 6:00 p.m. on September 17, TNT Tropang Giga at 4:35 p.m. on the 18th and Terrafirma Dyip at 7:00 p.m. on the 19th.

“We haven’t played in over a week, almost two weeks and then we will play for three straight days,” said Aces head coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “The challenge is going to be greater. Preparation is key for us and for all teams. That alone will be difficult.”

“But like I said, there’s a game to be played and I’m confident with the guys that they are going to give their best. The thought is taking a game at a time. Focus lang kami,” he added.

Meralco Bolts, currently at second place with 5-2, will also make its PBA return this week with two games against the Dyip at 2:00 p.m. today and Blackwater Bossing at 2:00 p.m. on September 18.

Both the Aces and the Bolts were absent in the second week of the PBA Philippine Cup semi-bubble due the league’s health and safety protocols.

The rest of the schedule for this week will have NLEX Road Warriors (4-5) facing the Bossing (0-9) at 4:35 p.m. today. On Friday, NorthPort Batang Pier (4-3) battle Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots at 12:35 p.m. and San Miguel Beermen (5-3) face Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (4-5) at 3:00 p.m.

On Sunday, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (6-4) will face the Batang Pier at 2:00 p.m., while the Beermen tangle with the Hotshots at 4:35 p.m./ASC, WDJ