Alaska routs Meralco, inches closer to PBA finals berth

Alaska vs Meralco. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Alaska made sure there won’t be any meltdown this time and dominated Meralco, 92-72, to take a 2-1 series lead in their best-of-5 semifinals series in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We defended for 39 minutes in Game 2, but I felt we defended for 48 minutes in Game 3,” said coach Alex Compton. “I know we made some shots, and that’s important, but the overarching theme again is our defense.”

Rob Dozier anchored the Aces with 25 points, 12 in the third quarter pullaway, to go with 14 rebounds, while Calvin Abueva came back from the disappointing Game 2 defeat with an all-around game of 23 markers, 12 boards, two assists, two steals, and a block.

From a 38-all deadlock at halftime, Alaska just found its groove from the perimeter, outscoring Meralco, 28-16 and pulling away for good.

Chris Banchero also went on a perfect 3-of-3 clip from threes to finish with 16 points.

The Aces can wrap the series up on Monday, still at the Big Dome.

Arinze Onuaku topped the Bolts with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Jimmy Alapag, Cliff Hodge, and Reynel Hugnatan all tallied 12 markers in the defeat.