ALASKA OUTLASTS BARAKO BULL TO GRAB SOLO LEAD
The Alaska Aces checked their crumbling game just in time Sunday night to save an impeccable start.
Facing another 2-0 ballclub in the Barako Bull Energy Cola, the Aces proved steadier down the stretch in pulling off a 77-73 victory to remain the only unbeaten team in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska had to renew its defensive commitment in the fourth quarter to avert a disastrous collapse from 17 points up halfway in the second quarter.
Outscored, 24-17, in the third quarter after blowing a 38-21 lead, the Aces found themselves trailing, 67-61, three minutes into the fourth quarter as veteran Danny Seigle, on a personal mission to turn back time, had seven of his nine points.
Luigi Trillo, the Aces head coach, then called a break to rouse up his team.
“I wasn’t pleased with our defense; we were breaking down,” said Trillo. “I told them that we needed to make some stops and the offense will follow.”
The Aces heard him loud and clear, shutting down Seigle and the rest of Barako Bull during a three-minute stretch to wipe out the deficit and move ahead, 69-67, on a cutting layup by Dondon Hontiveros.
But Barako Bull wasn’t about to give up so easily its share of leadership.
Three free throws by import Evan Brock, a below-60 percent foul shooter, gave the advantage back to the Energy Cola before the offense Trillo was talking about flowed back for the Aces.
Six straight points, highlighted by a Cyrus Baguio fastbreak layup off a steal on Jonas Viilanueva made it 75-70, less than two minutes left.
Barako Bull had one last gasp left.
Mark Macapagal, another player whose career team consultant Rajko Toroman is trying to resurrect, hit a three-point shot with 1:29 remaining before the Energy Cola went scoreless the rest of the way, Brock’s poor foul shooting catching up with him.
Robert Dozier led Alaska with 19 points and 20 rebounds.
“I think we did a good job getting the ball to our post players,” said Trillo, probably referring in part to their 40-20 advantage in points in the paint.
The Aces, who recorded their first 3-0 start in an import-laden conference in 12 years, did a better job keeping it away from the hands of Brock, who took just 10 shots as he finished with 12 points and 15 rebounds, unable to do any damage when Alaska stood its ground in the last nine minutes. (WJRT)
The scores:
ALASKA 77 – Dozier 19, Baguio 11, Casio 9, Jazul 8, Espinas 8, Thoss 8, Abueva 4, Dela Cruz 4, Hontiveros 4, Reyes 2, Ramos 0.
BARAKO BULL 73 – Urbiztondo 15, Brock 12, Villanueva 10, Macapagal 9, Seigle 9, Maliksi 4, Kramer 4, Allado 4, Intal 3, Pennisi 3.
Quarterscores: 23-17, 42-36, 59-60, 77-73
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