Rob Dozier slams against Denzel Bowles (ahead), Alex Mallari, PJ Simon and Rafi Reavis (behind) PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Alaska’s losing skid against its former coach Tim Cone and San Mig Coffee finally came to an end Monday night.
More importantly, the Aces leveled their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series at 1-1 following a masterful 86-67 win over the Mixers in Game 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Finally a breakout win for us,” said Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo. “It’s like getting over the hump, getting the monkey off our backs.”
Alaska came into the game having lost its previous nine games against San Mig Coffee since Cone took over two seasons ago.
The Aces came close to snapping their skid last Saturday in their semis opener but fell short, 69-71, on a game-winning jumper by Denzel Bowles.
Unlike in Game 1 where both teams mightily struggled offensively, Alaska got going early as it built a double-digit lead anchored by its relentless defense which held San Mig Coffee to just 25.6% shooting in the first half and 34.2% overall.
James Yap had as much fouls as points with five while Bowles, who only had 12 points in Game 1, was hounded to an even lower output with eight points, easily his worst game in the conference.
The Mixers pulled to within 11 twice — with the last at 61-72 — on a bank shot by PJ Simon with still4:21 remaining after trailing by as much as 23 late in the third quarter.
Sonny Thoss and Robert Dozier kept the defending champion at bay with timely baskets. Thoss scored on a running hook before Dozier’s dunk off an offensive rebound extended Alaska’s lead back to 15, 76-61, with 3:09 remaining.
Dozier clearly outplayed Bowles with 28 points and 27 rebounds while JV Casio added 16 points on three-of-five shooting from deep.
Joe Devance and Simon had 15 points each for the Mixers, who had more turnovers (17) than assists (14).
Game 3 will be next Wednesday to give way to the league’s All-Star festivities.