Alaska frustrates Rain or Shine for 2-1 semis lead

MANILA, Philippines — Alaska took control early en route to a 94-78 win over Rain or Shine in Game 3 for a 2-1 lead in their 2015 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series Monday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Do-it-all forward Calvin Abueva posted a career-high 28 points that went with 14 rebounds to lead the Aces, who rebounded from a 102-95 loss.

“I thought our defense was really good. I really love the way our guys play defense,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton. “The guys really asserted themselves defensively.”

The Elasto Painters scored the first four points of the game but the Aces took over from there.

Their best-of-seven duel resumes on Christmas day at 4 p.m. also at the same venue.

The Painters went 0-of-15 from the 3-point area in the first half. The Aces also missed all of their 10 attempts from deep.

ROS head coach Yeng Guiao got ejected at the 9:16 mark of the third quarter after picking up his second technical foul. He was later joined by his big man Beau Belga, who was thrown out with still 5:13 remaining in the period.