INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?Alaska broke away in the third quarter and roared to a 101-87 triumph over Purefoods Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City to stay firmly entrenched on top of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.

Guards LA Tenorio and Willie Miller did the most damage for the Aces, posting a combined 46 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

The Aces were in command throughout, taking leads of as many as 22 points on the way to winning for the second time in three nights and improving their league-leading record to 8-1.

Earlier, Joseph Yeo scored six of his 16 points and had a key assist in overtime as Sta. Lucia Realty dodged the upset axe with an 80-77 victory over Barako Bull.

The Realtors erased a 66-67 deficit early in the extension for a 72-69 lead heading into the final 2:15 that eventually ushered Sta. Lucia to a fourth-running 5-3 card.

Barako Bull (2-7) blew a 63-53 advantage to take a fifth straight loss flush on the chin.

Tenorio made all six field goal attempts and a free throw for 16 points before finishing with 24, while Miller had 22 and eight boards.

?There?s a whole second round to go, but this game was big for us because we really needed to reaffirm to ourselves that we can get going again,? coach Tim Cone said.

The scores:

First Game

STA. LUCIA 80?Yeo 16, Espinas 15, Williams 14, Reyes 11, Omolon 9, Misolas 8, Daa 4, JAime 2, Pacana 1, Urbiztondo 0, Larong 0, Aquino 0.

BARAKO BULL 77?Aljamal 14, Alonzo 12, Menor 10, LAo 10, Crisano 9, Dimaunahan 8, Belano 7, Najotda 4, Viray 2, Hubalde 1, Faundo 0.

Quarters: 17-14; 31-33; 48-56; 66-66 reg; 80-77

Second Game

ALASKA 101?Tenorio 24, Miller 22, Dela Cruz 12, Fonacier 11, Thoss 10, Hugnatan 8, Borboran 5, Devance 4, Cablay 3, Ferriols 2, Burtscher 0, Cariaso 0.

PUREFOODS 87?Raymundo 25, Artadi 19, Simon 10, Yappba J. 8, Pingris 7, Allado 6, Timberlake 4, Reavis 4, Maierhofer 2, Yap 2, Salvador 0.

Quarters: 25-19; 52-42; 72-58; 101-87