Aces boost playoff hopes, oust Floodbuster

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Alaska pulled away in the fourth quarter to bet Mahindra, 107-91, and grab a share of second place in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Calvin Abueva was in his usual self, scattering 18 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks to power the Aces’ fourth-quarter surge.

“We’re in a little bit of transition in terms of our veterans and leaders. We have tri-captains now, it’s JVee (Casio), RJ (Jazul) and Calvin now,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton. “I thought calvin did some great things that you guys didn’t see.”

The Aces turned a 76-deadlock to a 97-81 blowout with Abuja’s boundless energy rubbing off his teammates and old timers Sonny Thoss, Tony dela Cruz and Dondon Hontiveros giving the team a lift.

“I’m grateful to have those guys on our team and they made plays for the team,” Compton said.