PBA semis: Aces move on from 51-point loss, stun Elastopainters

Henry Walker of Alaska (dark) vs Paul Lee of Rain or Shine (light). NUKI SABIO/PBA

MANILA, Philippines—Alaska stunned Rain or Shine, 97-93, Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to get a headstart in their 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals series.

The Aces leaned on the heroics of import Henry Walker down the stretch to lift them over the Elastopainters, the same team who clobbered them by 51 points in the elimination round.

Since that humiliating defeat, Alaska has managed to turn its campaign around and is two wins away from a finals stint under new coach Alex Compton.

“It’s good that everywhere we go we’re reminded of that 51 points,” admitted Compton. “This is important for our confidence. Hopefully we can build on this.

Walker finished with 31 points including decisive free throws in the final minute while Sonny Thoss and Vic Manuel combined for 30 points.

“I thought Henry was great down the stretch. He was aggressive. In the fourth Henry took over for us,” Compton said.

The Aces finished off Rain or Shine with a frustrating 9-0 run.

The Elastopainters, who will try to equalize in game 2 of their best-of-five series in on Sunday, had a 93-88 lead in the fourth but wouldn’t score again.

Arizona Ried had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Rain or Shine while Paul Lee led the locals with 19 points.