MANILA, Philippines — Alaska chalked up its first win in the 2013 PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup after repulsing San Mig Coffee, 84-80, Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Aces led by as many as 18 with six and half minutes to play in the fourth period and used this cushion to withstand the Mixers’ last ditch rally.
San Mig Coffee chipped away at the lead on efforts from Mark Barroca, James Yap and Raffy Reavis, but ran out of time.
Sonny Thoss of Alaska (light) vs Rafi Reavis of San Mig Coffee (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
“We set the tone by taking care of the basketball,” said head coach Luigi Trillo, who took the blame for their 74-87 defeat to Rain or Shine in Davao last Sunday.
Sonny Thoss led the Aces, who were in charge for most of the match, with 19 points along with eight rebounds, while Cyrus Baguio scored 18.
It was a good birthday gift for team owner Fred Uytengsu, who turned 52 Friday.
Aces’ team Governor Joaqui Trillo announced after the match that Alaska is donating P52,000 for every point it won over San Mig Coffee to the victims of typhoon “Yolanda.” The four-point difference meant P208,000 in total donation by the Aces.
“We wanted to give more to our brothers and sisters in there. They’re a big inspiration to us,” the older Trillo said.
Tim Cone’s Mixers, meanwhile, are still struggling to find a combination that works as they fell to their second setback in the season-opening conference.
Yap had 19 points for San Mig Coffee, rookie Ian Sangalang added 15 after debuting last Sunday with just eight, while Barroca and Marc Pingris chipped in 13 and 11, respectively.