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Everything clicked for Alaska in the second half that even Sonny Thoss made his first three-pointer in five seasons, only the fourth of his career.
Using a strong third quarter surge to break the game wide open, the Aces dismantled Rain or Shine, 128-102, in the Petron Saturday Special of the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.
Calvin Abueva led the way with 25 points and eight rebounds.
“That guy,” said coach Alex Compton pointing at his energizer bunny. “Had a career shooting game. You all know what Calvin can do. He has a whole different level of energy, and his ability to rebound the ball, his toughness is sometimes otherworldly, and if he’s stroking the three, that changes the game a little bit.”
Abueva went 2-of-3 from three and 9-of-16 from the field as Alaska’s stupendous showing allowed Compton to rest “The Beast” for the whole fourth frame.
Shane Edwards added 23 markers and 11 boards, while Vic Manuel ignited the third quarter pull away, pouring 12 of his 20 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting from the field.
RJ Jazul also got 15 points, missing just one of his six attempts from the three-point area. Four of those triples came in the payoff period, which put the exclamation in the win and gave the Aces a 30-point spread, 120-90.
Chris Banchero chipped in 14 markers, six rebounds, and six assists, while Thoss had 10.
“It’s one of those games where the baskets got bigger for us and smaller for them. I thought we had a bunch of breaks of the game today,” said Compton, as his Aces turned a 59-54 halftime to a commanding 95-78 edge after the third quarter.
The Elasto Painters’ downward spiral continued as they fell to their third straight game.
Antoine Wright paced Rain or Shine with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals, while Chris Tiu also got 21 off the bench.
Jericho Cruz also dropped 16 markers in the defeat.
The Scores:
ALASKA 128 – Abueva 25, Edwards 23, Manuel 20, Jazul 15, Banchero 14, Thoss 10, Baguio 6, Exciminiano 6, Dela Rosa 4, Magat 3, Racal 2, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 102 – Tiu 21, Wright 21, Cruz 16, Ahanmisi 12, Norwood 10, Quinahan 8, Trollano 5, Belga 3, Chan 2, Ibanes 2, Nimes 2, Almazan 0, Ponferrada 0.
Quarters: 29-25, 59-54, 95-78, 128-102.