Cory Jefferson drove past Shawn Taggart. PBA IMAGES
Cory Jefferson hit two big triples Sunday night and helped key a 105-102 Alasacka victory over defending champion Rain or Shine, keeping the Aces spotless in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jefferson finished with 41 points and got all the local support he needed, especially from pint-sized point guard JV Casio, who came up with the insurance free throws as the Aces rose to 4-0 while dealing the Elasto Painters a second straight defeat in a 3-2 card.
“I thought Cory was special,” Alaska coach Alex Compton said. “He hit some pretty big shots, and that’s what you like to see your import do.”
San Miguel Beer debuted with aplomb in the second game, scoring a 99-92 victory over Meralco and dealing the Bolts their first loss in five games that left Alaska alone at the top.
Alex Cabagnot scored 23 points and had nine assists, while import Charles Rhodes had 22 points and 12 rebounds.
The Aces were pushed to the limit for the first time here as the Painters fought doggedly hard after trailing by as big as 14 in the third period.
Casio finished with 16 points and Sonny Thoss and Calvin Abueva added 26 as Alaska remained sharp heading into an interesting clash with Meralco this Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Shawn Taggart carried the fight for the Painters most of the night, finishing with 40 points and 14 rebounds.
The Alaska-ROS game was the first return match between the two finalists last season.