Abueva lifts Aces over Hotshots in Davao
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DAVAO CITY – The Alaska Aces played with renewed zest and energy from an 11-day break, springing back from back-to-back losses with a 100-92 spanking of the Star Hotshots that sealed their playoff entry in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the USEP Gym here Saturday night.
Calvin Abueva best typified the great effort shown by the Aces in this Petron Blaze Saturday Special, leading the team to the quarters berth-clinching win No. 6.
The Aces vowed not to stop from here, determined to get going for a shot at a Top Two finish in the elims and its reward of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Eight.
Abueva fought with boundless of energy, coming through with 21 points and six rebounds.
Sonny Thoss, RJ Jazul and Chris Banchero had their own exploits helping Alaska past a Star side that got stuck at ninth place at 4-6.
The Hotshots suffered a second straight loss despite 34 points and 19 rebounds from import Ricardo Ratliffe.
A brief breather given Ratliffe by coach Jason Webb seemed to stymie the Hotshots’ bid.
With the poor shooting of both teams, the Aces and the Hotshots fought to a low-scoring 38-all deadlock in the first half.
The Hotshots struggled for only nine points through the first 11 minutes. They got 14 and moved to within five of the Aces only on a three-pointer and two foul shots by Allein Maliksi in the closing minute of the opening period.
Both scored below 40 points in the first two quarters as Alaska hit at a paltry 33-percent field-goal shooting while Star was worse with a 30-percent clip.
The Hotshots forced the 38-all tie at the half on clutch three-pointers by PJ Simon.
Ratliffe came out smoking in the second half, scoring seven straight markers as the Hotshots threatened to break away from the tight duel.
Back-to-back baskets, however, by Banchero carried the Aces back in the lead, 64-63, late in the third.
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