Top team Alaska stops streaking Ginebra

JV Casio (dark/alaska) vs LA TEnorio. PBA IMAGES / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—It took the league’s top team Alaska to put a halt to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s run.

But not until the Aces withstood a late surge by the Kings before hacking out a 102-93 win Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We knew Ginebra was gonna make a run,” said Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo. “But somehow we survived.”

Alaska led by 15, 49-34, late in the second quarter before Barangay Ginebra stormed back after a 15-0 blast to take the lead as the game went back and forth up to the final buzzer.

“I thought Macklin was superb. Napagod lang sa huli,” said Trillo.

Mac Baracael’s trey put Ginebra back up by one, 82-81, midway thru the fourth period before Alaska regrouped and broke away for good.

Dondon Hontiveros fired a triple followed by an inside basket by Calvin Abueva separated the Aces, 93-86, with 1:25 left.

“It just gives us twice-to-beat advantage. We’re growing as team. This conference it’s a collective effort. I feel we built a lot of confidence with the line up that we have,” added Trillo.

Robert Dozier had 28 points, 20 rebounds and two blocks as Alaska improved its league-best record to 10-3 while Ginebra, which saw its six-game winning streak come to an end, dropped to 7-6.

The scores:

Alaska 102 —  Dozier 28, Baguio 13, Espinas 12, Abueva 11, Hontiveros 10, Casio 8, Thoss 8, Dela Cruz 6, Jazul 4, Ramos 2.

Ginebra 93 – Macklin 27, Tenorio 19, Baracael 16, Labagala 8, Raymundo 8, Hatfield 7, Espiritu 3, Ellis 2, Helterbrand 2, Taha 1, Jensen 0, Maierhofer 0, Wilson 0.

Quarters: 30-18; 55-41; 71-69; 102-93.