Abueva, Casio lead Alaska rout of Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska hiked its winning streak to four after an 87-69 drubbing of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Sunday night in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Calvin Abueva hardly played like a rookie as he came through anew with game-highs of 19 points and nine rebounds.

“You talk about Abueva, he’s a game-changer. When he comes in, nakaka-intimidate siya, and to do it at the [power forward] spot it’s amazing,” marveled Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo.

“We’re lucky also. Ginebra is not in their best.”

Abueva, the second overall pick, led five Alaska players in double-digit scoring with JVee Casio netting 16 points on four-of-seven shooting from deep.

Cyrus Baguio added 14 points and four assists while center Sonny Thoss and RJ Jazul had 12 apiece.

“It’s a balanced scoring attack, I think we moved the ball well. It’s nice to get four in a row,” added Trillo. “We can’t be satisfied.”

The Kings moved to within five at one point but the Aces quickly got back on their feet to pull away for good.

Sensing a comeback, Alaska snuffed it out with a 7-0 blitz capped by an RJ Jazul floater after a wide open triple by JVee Casio with 4:43 left.

LA Tenorio had 10 points in his first game against his former team.

“I know LA (Tenorio). He has so many memories with Alaska, it’s tough. It’s mixed feelings,” said Trillo.

Dylan Ababou returned from injury to pace Ginebra, which reeled to its fourth straight setback, with 14 points.