Jazul steps up as Alaska survives Meralco for 1-0 semis lead

RJ Jazul. PBA IMAGES

Alaska escaped a tough Meralco crew, 97-94, to grab a 1-0 lead in their best-of-5 semifinals series in the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Monday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

RJ Jazul stepped up for the Aces as he scattered 18 points to lead his squad to the victory.

“He’s great, he’s a character guy, he’s tough and committed to the team,” said coach Alex Compton of Jazul.

Calvin Abueva registered 15 markers, six rebounds, and three assists, Cyrus Baguio added 13 points, while Chris Banchero chimed in with 10 as Alaska survived a conference-best 58-percent shooting from the Bolts.

“I told our guys I expect a incredibly tough series. I know that the skill set that coach Norman Black’s team has. It’s like the team is taking on that character: hard-nosed, tough, and hardworking,” said Compton. “I’m just proud that our guys weathered them. We have to be tough physically and mentally to win the series.”

Abueva gave the Aces a 95-91 lead in the last 2:28, but the Bolts kept on crawling back, giving themselves a chance to force overtime.

Meralco wasted its chance when Cliff Hodge didn’t see Jimmy Alapag’s pass coming, turning the ball over with 5.1 seconds remaining. But Rob Dozier kept the door open for Bolts as he muffed his freebies with 3.0 ticks remaining.

Unfortunately for Meralco, Ronjay Buenafe could not get the potential game-tying three in at the buzzer.

Game 2 is on Wednesday at the same venue.

Reynel Hugnatan paced Meralco with 21 points and six rebounds, while Hodge added 14 markers.

The Scores:

ALASKA 97 – Jazul 18, Abueva 15, Baguio 13, Banchero 10, Exciminiano 9, Dozier 7, Menk 7, Baclao 6, Hontiveros 6, Thoss 4, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 0.
MERALCO 94 – Hugnatan 21, Hodge 14, Dillinger 12, Caram 11, Onuaku 11, Faundo 8, Newsome 7, Bono 6, Alapag 2, Amer 2, Ry. Buenafe 0, Ro. Buenafe 0.

Quarters: 26-23, 43-48, 71-79, 97-94.