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ALASKA ENTERS FIRST FINAL 4 IN POST-TIM CONE ERA
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ALASKA realized a coveted goal by beating Meralco, 88-70, anew Friday to make the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calvin Abueva notched his sixth double-double in his first pro tourney with 18 points and a game-high 12 rebounds and Cyrus Baguio also had 18 points as the Aces reprised their 90-84 win over the Bolts in the best-of-three quarterfinals duel.
It was much easier this time around, however, as Alaska led from start to finish and easily dispelled any threat Meralco could pose, surprising even head coach Luigi Trillo himself.
“I didn’t expect that it would be like this,” said Trillo of the win that took on a more permanent shape when the Bolts could come no closer than 11 points from a 17-point third quarter deficit.
Trillo added that a combination of Meralco playing three games in five days and Sol Mercado hobbled by a sprain contributed to his team’s victory.
“They just lacked the energy,” said Trillo, who brought Alaska to its first Final 4 appearance since the 2010 Fiesta Conference and in just his second conference as head coach of the team. “Had they not been tired and had Sol been healthy, things could have been different.”
Macmac Cardona led Meralco with 18 points while Mercado emerged with his own double-double of 15 points and 10 assists, but the Bolts again emerged on the short end of a best-of-three duel for the fourth time in its seven-year existence in the league.
Alaska, on the other hand, set up a best-of-seven semis duel with defending champion Talk N Text starting Thursday also at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Baguio said the task ahead may be tough, but doable.
“Medyo mahirap, pero marami namang veterans dito sa team na nag-champion na, like Tony (dela Cruz) and Sonny (Thoss). Matutulungan namin ang mga bago. Siguro may laban sa Talk ‘N Text,” said the man who poured in 26 points in the series opener.
One of the new guys, JVee Casio, also played a crucial role Friday as he bounced back from a five-point performance in the first game with 17 points and eight assists. The sophomore playmaker scattered eight points during the second period that helped Alaska post a 44-34 lead at the turn.
It was a more balanced effort from thereon as Baguio’s triple made it a 55-39 count, a lead that stood with the help of Mark Baracael, Gabby Espinas and even RJ Jazul. (NC)
The scores:
ALASKA 88 – Abueva 18, Baguio 18, Casio 17, Espinas 13, Jazul 8, Baracael 6, Hontiveros 5, Thoss 3, Dela Cruz 0, Belasco 0.
MERALCO 70 – Cardona 18, Mercado 15, Hodge 11, Hugnatan 9, Ross 6, Salvacion 6, Reyes 4, Buenafe 1, Bulawan 0, Sharma 0.
Quarterscores: 26-16, 44-34, 70-55, 88-70
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