Aces grab 2-0 lead in Finals; PBA tackles Barako sale Wednesday

Calvin Abueva. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Alaska went through hell and high water again against a depleted San Miguel Beer side, barely scraping through in taking a 2-0 lead over the Beermen in their Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup title series at Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

An 83-80 Game 2 victory proved even harder than the first one, even if the Beermen again played without franchise player June Mar Fajardo, as the game hung in the balance until the final buzzer when Alex Cabagnot’s Hail Mary three-pointer hit nothing but the backboard.

“We’re really glad to win that one, that’s for sure,” a relieved Alaska coach, Alex Compton, told reporters after gathering his wits for a few seconds. “There were some hairy moments out there. I hope the fans enjoyed them, because I certainly didn’t.”

Vic Manuel made two free throws while breaking up a crucial San Miguel inbounds that left very little time for the Beermen to come up with a decent game-tying shot.

San Miguel fell short again, this time after Ronald Tubid muffed a wide-open three-pointer from deep right corner which would have erased an 80-81 deficit.

The Beermen had another chance after that, as Yancy De Ocampo, called upon to fill Fajardo’s big shoes, grabbed the offensive rebound but was blocked by Manuel, with Calvin Abueva winning out in the loose ball scramble.

Game 3 is slated tomorrow at Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Petroleum could take over Barako Bull’s PBA franchise and see action as early as the Commissioner’s Cup slated to open on Feb. 10, according to board chair Robert Non.

But the deal hinges on how the board votes Wednesday. Phoenix needs two-thirds of the 12-man body to agree to the franchise sale. Non confirmed reports that Phoenix and Barako Bull have come to an agreement.

Phoenix reportedly coughed up P100 million for the Barako Bull franchise.

The scores:
ALASKA 83—Manuel 18, Hontiveros 12, Baguio 10, Abueva 9, Jazul 7, Baclao 6, Banchero 6, Menk 6, Casio 5, Thoss 4, Dela Cruz 0, Exciminiano 0.
SAN MIGUEL BEER 80—Cabagnot 23, De Ocampo 13, Lassiter 11, Santos 10, Lutz 6, Ross 6, Tubid 5, Espinas 4, Arana 2, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 23-18, 39-36, 62-60, 83-80