ALASKA import Rob Dozier (middle) scores on a layup off Josh Dollard (left) and Mick Pennisi of Barako Bull. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines –This one certainly wasn’t pretty but it was how Alaska wants it to be.
Using defense as their main weapon yet again, the Aces shut down a third straight foe with a 78-71 decision of Barako Bull Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces held the Energy close to 27 points under their average and rose to 4-3, which is good for at least a tie for fourth place as the league goes into its annual All-Star break starting tomorrow.
Barako Bull dropped to 2-5 and the Energy would need to win their last two assignments and hope that the teams in the bottom half of the standings don’t win more than four games.
“This is how we want it—not run-and-gun, ugly, physical and a halfcourt, defensive type of game,” Alaska coach Luigi Trillo said. “(With the win) we just put ourselves in a situation where we can keep on moving.”
The game was so ugly, especially in the first half where both teams combined for just 56 points and Alaska holding a 30-26 lead. So atrocious was the shooting of both teams that their combined rebounding totals, 59, was bigger than their scoring output.
Rob Dozier scored 18 points and had 15 rebounds and got solid support from Gabby Espinas and Calvin Abueva. JV Casio scored 10 points, including a tough jumper with 52.4 seconds left that ushered the Aces to a 72-67 lead.
Josh Dollard, who came into the game averaging close to 36 points a night, was the one who felt the brunt of the Alaska defense most, making just 26 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the field.
Abueva, who has been practically non-existent for the Aces here, was back to his usual self—at least in this game—as he finished with nine points, nine boards while providing the hustle he’s noted for.
“It was nice of Calvin to come out,” Trillo said. “He has been struggling of late, but brought his energy (to the game) tonight.”
The scores:
First Game
ALASKA 78—Dozier 18, Espinas 14, Casio 10, Abueva 9, Hontiveros 8, Jazul 6, Thoss 6, Manuel 4, Baguio 3, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0.
BARAKO 71—Dollard 26, Pennisi 12, Miller 7, Isip 6, Miranda 6, Lastimosa 5, Fortuna 2, Buenafe 2, Pena 2, Wilson 1, Marcelo 0.
Quarters: 13-17, 26-30, 53-50, 78-71
RELATED STORIES
Aces trip Energy for third straight win