BAGUIO, ABUEVA HEROICS CAP ALASKA’S CARDIAC WIN OVER RAIN OR SHINE
ALASKA drew big plays from Calvin Abueva and Cyrus Baguio in the dying seconds to carve an 83-81 thriller of a win over Rain or Shine Saturday at the start of both teams’ respective campaigns in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Robert Dozier came alive in the second half with 16 of his team-high 21 points and 11 of his game-high 16 boards, but Abueva and Baguio provided the game’s biggest plays that enabled the Aces to pull off the cliffhanger.
“It was a scratch-and-claw win,” said Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo of the win that was his team’s first against Rain or Shine in three meetings since he took over in last season’s Governors Cup.
“We knew Rain or Shine is very sharp, very experienced. There’s no letdown in that team and we just have to battle through,” he added.
Abueva and Baguio sure did.
First, Abueva drained a clutch triple to tie the game in the last 10 seconds before blocking 7-3 Bruno Sundov and stealing the ball from the Croatian.
That set up the stage for Baguio, who drove in and scooped the ball in off the glass just before the final buzzer for the game-winner.
“It’s just the first game, things like this happen,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, before adding they will formally ask for a review of the game tapes, especially that instance when Sundov went for the drive.
For the moment, it cannot be denied the endgame ruined the 30-point, 15-rebound performance of Sundov, the downfall helped along by the fact the local Elasto Painters failed to provide ample support. Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan were the next best scorers with only eight points each.
In contrast, Sonny Thoss added 17 points, Jayvee Casio 11, Baguio nine and Abueva eight to go with 14 rebounds for the Aces.
Alaska also won the battle off the boards, 52-44, including 19-11 off the offensive glass, and missed eight of 35 free throws to Rain or Shine’s 18-for-28.
Despite being outscored by Sundov, Dozier came alive when needed most to draw praises from Trillo.
“It’s nice for Robert to pick it up in the second half,” said Trillo. “He had only five attempts in the first half. It’s also nice to see him get those rebounds.”
Despite the scoring imbalance, Rain or Shine led by as much as 49-40 and still enjoyed a 79-74 cushion entering the last 4:51 of play before being held without a field goal and to just two free throws from Sundov the rest of the way.
Then came Alaska’s endgame surge that was made possible when the E-Painters went 0-for-7 from the field and 2-for-4 from the stripe for the remainder of the game. (NC)
The scores:
Alaska 83 – Dozier 21, Thoss 17, Casio 11, Baguio 9, Abueva 8, Espinas 6, Ramos 5, Jazul 4, Hontiveros 2, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Belasco 0.
Rain or Shine 81 – Sundov 30, Lee 8, Norwood 8, Chan 8, Tang 6, Arana 6, Matias 5, Belga 5, Cruz 2, Quinahan 2, Tiu 1, Rodriguez 0.
Quarterscores: 24-23; 40-47; 66-66; 83-81
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