ALASKA’S Gabby Espinas takes a shot against Barako Bull in this file photo. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
BIÑAN, Laguna—Alaska showed up and played with the form of a defending champion Saturday night, dominating San Miguel Beer on both ends in the clutch for an 89-78 victory that put the Aces back in contention in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
A 13-0 wind-up in the final 3:30 of the Petron Saturday Special game before an animated crowd at Alonte Sports Complex here gave the Aces their first winning streak of the tournament while stopping the Beermen dead on their tracks.
Rob Dozier scattered 20 points and grabbed the same number of boards in spearheading the Aces on both ends as they snapped San Miguel’s three-game winning streak to get back in the upper half of the standings.
San Miguel lost for the second time in its last five games with Kevin Jones in tow and at 5-2 overall, stood more than a game behind Talk ‘N Text in the race for the No. 1 spot – and the lightest assignment – in the first round of the playoffs.
The Beermen had a 78-76 lead with 4:18 left after Sol Mercado drove in for a left-handed layup.
But JV Casio shoved the Aces ahead to stay, with his three-pointer with 3:30 remaining touching off that solid finishing kick that left the Beermen frustrated.
Dozier then added two free throws off an Arwind Santos foul with 2:51 left, and after Marcio Lassiter missed a triple on the other end, Cyrus Baguio opened up an 84-78 lead for the Aces with a triple of his own.
San Miguel trailed by 10 in the first half but zoomed to a 59-51 lead in the third quarter. The Beermen, however, lose steam when it really mattered.
The Scores:
ALASKA 89—Dozier 20, Baguio 15, Casio 14, Jazul 10, Espinas 10, Hontiveros 8, Manuel 6, Dela Cruz 2, Abueva 2, Thoss 2, Reyes 0.
SAN MIGUEL BEER 78—Fajardo 14, Mercado 14, Santos 13, Jones 11, Tubid 6, Hubalde 5, Kramer 4, Ross 4, Lutz 4, Lassiter 3, Lanete 0.
Quarters: 11-12, 37-32, 62-62, 89-78
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