Down 0-3 entering this game, the Alaska Aces saved their 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign with a big 111-99 escape over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to extend the finals series to at least a Game Five, at the Big Dome on Friday evening.
Alaska erased Rain or Shine’s only lead of the match at 18-14 during the first quarter through the instant offense of newly-minted Best Player of the Conference Calvin Abueva. Alaska built a 14-2 run bridging the first two quarters to separate themselves by double-figures for the the first time in the match.
From that point on, Alaska controlled the match by hustle and defense. Rob Dozier led the scoring parade for the Aces, which made back-to-back shots to stop a 6-0 mini run by the Elasto Painters before the break. Alaska would eventually outscore RoS, 29-18, in the second to take a 15-point lead at halftime.
Abueva’s relentless aggression continued in the second half, as he led his squad in scoring and assisting for easy points in transition. Chris Banchero also chipped in eight points and two triples during the third to widen the gap against the stunned Rain or Shine troop. Alaska went on to score a whopping 36 points in the third quarter, capped by a Dondon Hontiveros three-pointer that gave his team its largest lead at 23.
For Rain or Shine’s attempt of a comeback, Gabe Norwood and Maverick Ahanmisi came up big in the fourth period. Norwood scored his team’s first nine points of the quarter, while Ahanmisi made two crucial treys to rally their team, and melt the lead down to 99-86.
Calvin Abueva missed two huge free throws after a heated exchange between him and Beau Belga, which yielded double techs. The physicality also produced a flagrant foul on Banchero that favored Rain or Shine’s surge.
Ahanmisi continued his splendid closeout quarter with six straight points to cut the lead down to eight. Moreover, an ankle breaker the rookie did against Abueva resulted to the latter’s ejection that helped the Elasto Painters’ cause. However, the lead proved to be too much, as Dozier provided a run-stopping hook that propelled the Aces to their first win of the series.
“We showed up. We just did what we’re supposed to do,” said a relieved Alex Compton after the game. “I wish we’ve been playing this way earlier.”
Alaska scored more in transition, 15-3, and shot 53% from the field compared to the Elasto Painters’ 41% clip. In addition, the two teams combined to shoot 73 free throws in the game, while the Aces grabbed more rebounds 47-37.
Dozier’s 23 paced the Aces, on 8/14 shooting from the field, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Banchero tallied 17 and eight dimes. For the Painters, Ahanmisi went off with 30 points, with 4/7 shooting from downtown.
Rain or Shine get one more shot at closing the series on Sunday, 5:00pm, still at the Big Dome. The win of the Aces also snaps Coach Alex Compton’s seven game losing streak in the Finals, dating back to last conference.
The Scores:
Alaska (111) – Dozier 23, Banchero 17, Abueva 14, Jazul 13, Baguio 11, Thoss 11, Hontiveros 9, Racal 7, Dela Cruz 4, Baclao 2, Dela Rosa 0.
Rain or Shine (99) – Ahanmisi 30, Lee 11, Quinahan 10, Chan 10, Cruz 9, Norwood 9, Belga 6, Ibanez 4, Henderson-Niles 3, Ponferada 3, Tiu 2, Almazan 2, Teng 0.
Quarterscores: 25-21, 54-39, 90-67, 111-99.
