ALASKA TAKES BACK SOLO LEAD
Putting behind them their sorry loss the last time out, the Alaska Milk Aces pulled another one against the Petron Blaze Boosters and once again took the front-running position in the race for the Top Two in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.
The Aces erased the memory of their 83-84 loss to the San Mig Coffee Mixers Sunday with a crucial 92-84 win over the Boosters in their Holy Wednesday showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Robert Dozier put in a show with old Alaska import Adam Parada a curious spectator behind their bench, powering the Aces back to the top of the standings with an eighth win against three losses.
Dozier collected 32 points and 18 rebounds as the Aces repeated their 83-73 drubbing of the Boosters in their previous tiff and thus put a lock on a seat in the post-elims play.
“It’s there for us and we control our destiny. It’s got to be one game at a time, though,” said coach Luigi Trillo in their bid for a Top Two finish that guarantees twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The Boosters are now two wins behind the Aces at 6-4. Remaining solid at second is Rain or Shine at 7-3.
Ralph Reyes, Cyrus Baguio and Dondon Hontiveros had their shares as the Aces bucked the absence of Jayvee Casio and Sonny Thoss.
Dozier easily stood out, though, in yet another remarkable all-around performance, feasting on Rodney White and Junmar Fajardo.
“You really have to credit Dozier. He’s very underrated. He’s doing a great job for us,” said Trillo, adding Dozier is here to stay.
The youthful Alaska mentor said Parada is just here for vacation.
“We had nine import candidates, including Adam Parada. We gave him an offer but he has a three-year contract in Mexico. He’s here for a vacation with his Filipina wife. Rob Dozier is here to stay. I told that even before our first game in the conference,” said Trillo.
If there’s any team that signifies intention to sign Parada, Trillo said they won’t step in the way.
Petron is a team that may be on a lookout for a new import.
Coach Olsen Racela once again played White a few minutes with the four-year NBA veteran still coming out flat, getting only seven rebounds, two points, one assist and one block.
Arwind Santos struggling with a 3-of-10 clip didn’t help Petron either.
Marcio Lassiter and Jay Washington paced the Boosters with 24 and 22 points, respectively, with Alex Cabagnot and Fajardo adding a combined output of 21. (SB)
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