Aces repulse Batang Pier

ALASKA reclaimed the solo lead by surviving Globalport, 87-84, last night in a Petron Saturday Special game of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at a packed Xavier University gym in Cagayan de Oro.

The Aces went scoreless inside the final 3:30 and pulled out their seventh win in eight games by holding off the Batang Pier, who had a chance to send the game into overtime until Yancy de Ocampo missed in the dying seconds.

It was the fourth loss in eight games for Globalport.

Alaska, which came into the game still smarting from its first loss of the season,  again moved into contention in the race for No. 1 where they are locked in a heated duel with San Miguel Beer.

Calvin Abueva paced the Aces with 19 points and six rebounds with Cyrus Baguio finishing with 10 after powering the Aces to an  87-78 lead before Alaska went into a cold spell.

Terrence Romeo led Globalport with 26 points with Alex Cabagnot adding 15 and a career-high 14 rebounds. It was the first time that the perennial all-star Cabagnot completed a double-double with rebounds.

No. 1 Draft pick Stanley Pringle scored six straight points at the height of the Batang Pier’s hot windup, but was effectively bottled up by the Alaska defense in Globalport’s last offensive play.

Meanwhile, Meralco battles defending champion Purefoods at Alonte Sports Center in Biñan, Laguna.

Game time is at 5:15 p.m., after the 3 p.m. match between Talk ‘N Text and Barako Bull.

The scores:

ALASKA 87—Abueva 19, Casio 14, Baguio 10, Thoss 10, Jazul 8, Menk 7, Manuel 6, Banchero 4, Exciminiano 4, Hontiveros 3, Dela Rosa 2, Eman 0, Dela Cruz 0.

GLOBALPORT 84—Romeo 26, Pringle 15, Cabagnot 15, Isip 12, De Ocampo 6, Buenafe 5, Ponferada 3, Jensen 2, Taha 0, Pinto 0, Cabrera 0, Baclao 0.

Quarters: 15-22, 33-37, 66-60, 87-84