ALASKA CLAIMS OPENER
Alaska pounced on San Mig Super Coffee in one crucial stretch in the fourth quarter, cutting loose from a seesawing game en route to an 86-77 victory in Game One of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-three quarterfinal showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Monday.
The Aces came through with a lethal 14-to-nothing run from a 70-69 count and went on to keep their hot romp, repeating their 85-66 whipping of the Mixers the previous night.
Not even the return of James Mays, James Yap, Marc Pingris and Justin Melton from a one-game rest could stop Alaska from stretching its streak to six games.
The two teams had figured in 10 deadlocks and 20 lead changes before the Aces came up with the deadly fourth-quarter attack that sent them to the doorstep of the Final Four.
The titleholders have a chance to close out the series in Game Two Wednesday or, if necessary, in Game Three Saturday.
“Defense in the fourth quarter (did it). We limited them to 16 and that’s a big key,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
“We had problems with the big lineup of theirs but you have to take a risk in terms of giving up something,” Trillo also said.
Cyrus Baguio, Jvee Casio, Calvin Abueva, Sonny Thoss and Rob Dozier formed the Alaska five that worked the crucial 14-0 roll, flattening out the Mixers.
Dozier wound up with 24 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist. He capped his sterling performance with a block and a free throw that fended off the Mixers’ endgame chase.
“He’s a game-changer because he can play offense and defense. He alters shots. He gets hammered but he just keeps on playing. We’re really very fortunate to have him,” said Trillo of their prized import.
Mays, meanwhile, was held down to 18 points and 11 rebounds as he was sent to early foul trouble situation.
Baguio knocked in three of five three-pointers and finished with 14 points while Abueva and Thoss added 12 apiece as the Aces sent the Mixers reeling to a fourth straight defeat.
San Mig Coffee needs to win two in a row to salvage a spot in the semis and keep its hopes for a possible third straight championship.
“One-zero in a best-of-three series is huge. It’s not a guarantee that you can win it, but it puts you in a good position,” said Trillo. (SB)ot 18 points and 11 rebounds from James Mays. (SB)
The scores:
ALASKA 86 – Dozier 24, Baguio 14, Abueva 12, Thoss 12, Espinas 9, Casio 8, Jazul 6, Hontiveros 1, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Manuel 0.
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 77 – Mays 18, Barroza 17, Yap 12, Simon 10, Devance 9, Melton 7, Pingris 4, Mallari 0, Sangalang 0, Reavis 0.
Quarterscores: 19-18, 37-39, 62-61, 86-77
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