Aces stun Boosters; Energy whip Kings

MAC Baracael of Alaska beats the defense of Petron Blaze’s Danny Ildefonso for a shot in last night’s game at Smart Araneta Coliseum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

ALASKA finally unveiled the “Beast,” and the Aces are suddenly looking fearsome again.

Rookie Calvin Abueva debuted with 12 points and 16 rebounds, and Dondon Hontiveros struck hardest in the fourth period as Alaska stunned Petron Blaze, 88-86, last night in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Abueva was the energizer the Aces have been looking for, and Hontiveros played with his old brilliance, shooting four triples in the payoff frame as Alaska came charging back from 12 points down in the third period to win a second straight game.

Alaska also drew 21 points from old reliable Cyrus Baguio in its most impressive showing under the watch of Luigi Trillo to rise to 2-2 and deal the Boosters a second successive loss in a 1-3 card.

Barako Bull completed a night of upsets with a 92-82 conquest of Barangay Ginebra for a 2-2 card like its victim.

Sean Anthony scored 21 points to lead the Energy, who also got all of Josh Urbiztondo’s 19 points in the first three periods.

Mark Caguioa, the reigning MVP, fired 21 to lead all Ginebra shooters.

“He’s just an ‘Energizer Bunny,’” Trillo told reporters. “He brings so much to the team. I played him just six minutes in the first half and then just let him be Calvin (in the second).”

Abueva wound up his collegiate duties with San Sebastian last week and came into the bruising contest after turning in just four days of practice with the Aces.

He played the whole second half and figured in practically every crucial play, scoring four straight points during the Aces’ hottest run that had them taking an 80-75 lead with just over four minutes left.

The scores:

First Game

ALASKA 88—Baguio 21, Hontiveros 17, Abueva 12, Casio 9, Thoss 8, Jazul 6, Baracael 6, Espinas 3, Reyes 2, Eman 2, Dela Cruz 2.

PETRON 86—Lutz 20, Washington 15, Cabagnot 12, Santos 11, Pena 11, Miranda 7, Yeo 4, Ildefonso 4, Mallari 2.

Quarters: 17-18, 37-41, 57-65, 88-86

Second Game

BARAKO 92—Anthony 21, Uriztondo 19, Pennisi 11, Tubid 10, Villanueva 9, Najorda 7, Yap 6, Seigle 3, Alvarez 2, Ballesteros 2, Kramer 2.

GINEBRA 82—Caguioa 21, Raymundo 11, Mamaril 10, Ellis 8, Jensen 8, Tenorio 6, Wilson 6, Maliksi 5, Maierhofer 5, Hatfield 2, Cortez 0, Helterbrand 0.

Quarters: 27-22, 48-44, 68-69, 92-82