Alaska grabs share of lead; Energy score

Photo courtesy of PBA Media Bureau

ALASKA walked the tightrope before tripping Meralco, 88-86, Thursday night at Mall of Asia Arena, using a 16-0 run in the fourth period for the win that again gave the Aces a tie for the lead in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup.

Vic Manuel, Chris Banchero and RJ Jazul were big in the stretch for the Aces, who erased a 57-63 deficit with that run before holding off the hard-finishing Bolts in the stretch to rise to 7-1 and catch idle defending champion San Miguel Beer at the top.

The Bolts lost for the third straight time and are now the team closest to getting the ax with a 1-8 card.

Jazul knocked down the go-ahead triple with 31.7 seconds left after faking Jimmy Alapag out of his shoes with the shotclock about to expire. He also made two free throws with 6.6 seconds remaining to ice it, 88-83.

Barako Bull held Talk ‘N Text to just a free throw in overtime last night to eke out a 105-98 victory at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and greatly give its playoffs drive a boost.

Willie Wilson’s career game of 28 points and 20 rebounds propelled the Energy to their fourth win in eight games, putting Barako Bull in the middle of the pack while taking the Texters out in the race for a top two berth.

“I think the No. 1 key for us was our sense of urgency (to win),” Barako Bull coach Koy Banal said. “We have been talking about that even before the Rain or Shine (loss), our ability to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to San Miguel.”

Meanwhile, Robert Non, the San Miguel Beer representative and chair of the league’s board, will concurrently act as the president and CEO after the board accepted “with a heavy heart” Chito Salud’s resignation.

The scores:

First Game

BARAKO BULL 105—Wilson 28, Garcia 22, Intal 12, Fortuna 10, Baracael 9, Brondial 7, Lanete 6, Miranda 6, Urbiztondo 3, Monfort 2, Caperal 0, Pennisi 0.

TALK ‘N TEXT 98—Tautuaa 20, Castro 19, Rosario 19, Carey 8, Wiliams 8, Miranda 7, Rosser 6, Reyes 6, Fonacier 5, Seigle 0.

Quarters: 19-27, 44-43, 78-75, 97-97 (reg.), 105-98

Second Game

ALASKA 88—Banchero 13, Manuel 13, Casio 12, Hontiveros 11, Jazul 11, Baguio 9, Abueva 4, Menk 4, Baclao 1, Dela Cruz 0, Exciminiano 0.

MERALCO 86—Hodge 25, Dillinger 15, Al-Hussaini 10, Buenafe 9, Alapag 8, David 4, Hugnatan 4, Nabong 4, Newsome 4, Ferriols 2, Amer 1, Faundo 0.

Quarters: 21-24, 42-37, 54-55, 88-86