Purefoods decimates Alaska, starts PBA playoffs with a bang

James Yap. PBA Images/Nuki Sabio

It was a performance worthy of the silver screen as Purefoods destroyed Alaska, 120-86, to take a 1-0 series lead in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs Friday evening at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

From the opening tip to the finishing buzzer, the Hotshots were waxing hot and the Aces could not find their trump card as they played catch up with a high-octane monster.

Purefoods’ first quarter was essentially 31-7 run and Alaska never found the right push to keep them alive.

Even with the dominating victory, Hotshots head coach Tim Cone is still wary of Alaska and their huge margin doesn’t mean a thing in the playoffs.

“All we did was get a 1-0 lead,” Cone said. “In the playoffs, a 1-point win is the same as a 30-point lead and a 1-point loss is the same as a 30-point loss.”

He added that Alaska has the capability to bounce back even from a devastating loss, a thing that he calls “bounce back ability.”

“We know that this team comes back from 20-point deficits all the time. We know how good they are.”

Wary of the Aces distinct trait, the Hotshots continued their offensive onslaught in the second half, scoring 66 points in the last two quarters.

Purefoods began its fourth quarter with a quick 11-4 run with Mark Barroca sinking a deep three-pointer at the 8:45 mark to give the Hotshots a 99-65 lead.

Cone then dug deep to his reserves and put in fan-favorite Jerwin Gaco at the 3:44 mark of the fourth sending Araneta in a frenzy.

Gaco immediately went to work as he scored four quick points, two 18-footers, grabbed one offensive rebound and dished out an assist to Justin Melton who made it 116-82.

Looking forward, Cone said that he expects a motivated Alaska to come firing at them in Game 2 on Saturday.

“I’ll be really happy if this was Game 2,” Cone said.

Purefoods import Denzel Bowles led six Hotshots who scored in double figures as he put up 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

PJ Simon added 13 points while forwards Marc Pingris and Joe DeVance finished with near points-rebounds double-doubles with lines of 11 and eight, and 10 and eight.

Aces import Damion James had 21 points and 10 boards for Alaska. CC

The scores:

PUREFOODS 120 – Bowles 20, Yap 18, Barroca 14, Simon 13, Pingris 11, Devance 10, Pennisi 8, Maliksi 6, Melton 5, Reavis 5, Mallari 4, Gaco 4, Allado 2, Alvarez 0.

ALASKA 86 – James 21, Jazul 12, Manuel 10, Banchero 9, Eman 8, Dela Rosa 6, Casio 6, Abueva 4, Baclao 4, Baguio 2, Exciminiano 2, Dela Cruz 2, Thoss 0, Hontiveros 0.

Quarters: 31-7, 54-29, 88-59, 120-86