DEFENSE WINS IT ANEW FOR ALASKA

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FOR the third straight time, Alaska drew its opponent into the kind of game it wanted, with the same result.

The Aces engaged the Barako Bull Energy into an ugly, drawn-out match and came out a 78-71 victor Wednesday in the PLDT Home Tvolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rob Dozier notched 18 points and 15 rebounds and a slew of locals gave their ample contributions, but it was his charges playing the kind of defense he wants that pleased Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo most.

“We did a good defensive job again,” said Trillo after the win over an Energy crew that went into the match averaging 97.2 points per game.

In their last game, the Aces held San Miguel Beer to just 78 points, 27 below the Beermen’s average. They were more efficient in holding the Energy to 21 points below their norm.

“This is where we want to be, this is our kind game, ugly, physical and a halfcourt defensive type of game,” said Trillo.

The focus of that defense, Josh Dollard, still scored 26 points, nine below his average. But he struggled for majority of the game and failed to provide Barako Bull the kind of momentum it needed.

As a result, the Aces improved to a 4-3 win-loss slate while relegating the Energy to their fifth loss in seven games.

“Every game is important, not only for us but for all the teams. We got another win and it moved us to fourth. Had we lost, we would have been tied for ninth. That’s how bunched up the field is,” said Trillo, whose team winds up the eliminations against Barangay Ginebra on April 13 and San Mig Super Coffee April 20.

“Still a lot of games left and we’re not out of it yet. That’s why this game was very, very important for us. For me, this is a moment of truth game for us.”

That explains why Trillo credited his defensive crew on Dollard, led by Gabby Espinas and Calvin Abueva. “I’m proud of Gabby and Calvin. They came in there, kinuha nila sa tiyaga,” he said. “On Dollard, I thought they did a decent job there. He got tired out in the end.”

Alaska did not forget its job on the other end of the court, with Dozier, Dondon Hontiveros and JVee Casio combining for an 11-0 run to lift the Aces from a 34-38 deficit and into the lead for good.

Barako Bull was given a golden opportunity when Dozier picked up his fifth foul with still 6:32 to go, but Espinas proved to be an able substitute as he and Abueva stretched what was a 62-59 lead into a safer 70-63.

In a game this close, that proved to be enough of a luxury for Alaska going into the last two minutes of play.

Espinas wound up with 14 points and Casio 10 and five assists. Abueva had nine points and as many boards.

Mick Pennisi was the lone other Barako Bull player in double figures with 12.

Additional testament to Trillo’s words is the fact Alaska made just 28 of 73 field goal attempts to Barako Bull’s 25-for-70 shooting.
After committing 21 miscues against SMB the Aces had just eight this time, 10 less than the Energy. (NC)

The scores:

ALASKA 78 – Dozier 18, Espinas 14, Casio 10, Abueva 9, Hontiveros 8, Jazul 6, Thoss 6, Manuel 4, Baguio 3, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0.

BARAKO BULL 71 – Dollard 26, Pennisi 12, Miller 7, Isip 6, Miranda 6, Lastimosa 5, Fortuna 2, Buenafe 2, Pena 2, Wilson 1, Marcelo 0.

Quarterscores: 13-17, 26-30, 53-50, 78-71

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