Red-hot Alaska rips injury-depleted San Mig Coffee

Gabby Espinas of Alaska vs Isaac Holtein and Val Acuna of San Mig Coffee

MANILA, Philippines — Alaska rolled to its fifth straight win following an 85-66 drubbing of a shorthanded San Mig Coffee side in the 2014 PLDT Home Tvolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces also assured themselves of the No.3 spot after finishing the elimination round with a 6-3 record.

The Mixers, who were without hardworking import James Mays and local stars Marc Pingris, James Yap and key contributor Justin Melton due to injuries, dropped their third straight outing and could end up either in fifth or sixth place depending on how the Barangay Ginebra-Rain or Shine game unfolds.

“They are a different kind of team with James Yap, Pingirs and Mays are there, it’s about rest for them,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.  “We want to continue our rhythm.”

The Aces won despite not having anyone hitting in double digits with import Rob Dozier and reserves Raffy Reyes and Vic Manuel scoring eight apiece.

RJ Jazul and Ryan Buenafe added seven each for defending champion Alaska. Reyes also had four assists and went four-of-six from the field.

The Aces built a double-digit lead early and picked up where they left off in the second half where they stretched their lead to 21.

Veteran big man Yancy de Ocampo led the Mixers with 10 points.

Originally posted at 05:22  pm | Sunday, April 20, 2014

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