ALASKA SQUARES SERIES, 1-1
Barely beaten in the previous game, Alaska Milk worked harder to raise its game and went on to get back at Talk n Text in the second game of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal showdown at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Friday night.
The Aces battled the Tropang Texters toe-to-toe in the first three quarters and asserted themselves at the finish to forge a 1-1 deadlock in the best-of-seven series with a 100-88 win.
Jayvee Casio rifled in five treys and finished with a team-high 22 points while Calvin Abueva churned out another double-double game with 20 markers and 14 boards as the Aces sent the series back to scratch.
The two teams battle for the 2-1 lead in Game Three at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday in the same venue.
“We can’t outscore Talk n Text. But in this game, we’re able to play our tempo in the second half, we’re able to establish Sonny Thoss at the paint and attack our matchup advantage,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
“It’s crucial we’re able to tie it after two games. We’re off for the next four days and we have the opportunity to refresh and see what adjustments we need to do for the next game,” Trillo added.
The youthful Alaska mentor said a big key was keeping Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag out of the game.
De Ocampo got into foul trouble situation early and was limited to playing 17 minutes. Alapag, meanwhile, played 31 minutes but bled for his points, going 1-of-11 from the field.
“You don’t want to get a sleeping dog awake. Jimmy didn’t get his usual shots. Ranidel wasn’t there either. We attacked him early and got him into foul trouble. If Ranidel was there, Talk n Text would’ve been a different team,” Trillo pointed out.
Casio and Abueva outplayed Alapag and De Ocampo as the Aces avenged their 65-66 loss in the series opener.
Cyrus Baguio, Thoss and Gabby Espinas were also there, playing their roles. The three combined for 40 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
The Aces made crucial romps in the second half, eventually seizing control at 89-78 on a 14-4 spurt by Abueva and RJ Jazul.
Abueva capped the vicious run with two charities off De Ocampo’s sixth and last foul with 5:37 left to play.
Baguio and Casio then took charge as the Aces kept the Texters at bay the rest of the way. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
