Notwithstanding a sub-par fourth quarter shooting, the Alaska Aces were able to extend their Commissioner’s Cup campaign with an 85-81 squeaker over the Tropang TNT on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In a low-scoring affair that saved Alaska’s 37% clip from elimination, Coach Alex Compton was pleased with the way they had limited TNT’s offensive firepower.
“TNT had 81 points. I’m so happy with the way we defended, it was really different,” Compton said. “I know we forced 17 turnovers at the first half, that was big. It was obviously a defensive battle and I hope we can keep them at 81 on Friday although mahirap yan.”
After a fourth quarter incident that saw Assistant Coach Topex Robinson tossed out of the floor, TNT responded with quick baskets to keep things tight. Jason Castro provided three big layups to lead the Texters fightback.
With 1:24 left, free throws became a huge part of the Aces survival as Cyrus Baguio knocked down two big ones to make it an 82-79 affair. However, David Simon countered with a power move inside to cut the lead to one.
After another TNT stop, Ranidel De Ocampo muffed a potential lead-giving triple from top of the key off a pick-and-pop feed from Castro. Rob Dozier then split his charities, leaving a final shot for TNT with 8.3 ticks left.
The Texters then executed a great play off the timeout that found a wide open Troy Rosario from the right corner. However, the former NU standout missed the big one that gave the Aces clearance for a series extension.
“My heart dropped basement five of Araneta when he shot that one,” Compton added.
Three Aces tallied double figures in scoring, led by Dozier’s 18. Calvin Abueva and Sonny Thoss had 15 apiece, while RJ Jazul punched in nine markers.
For Abueva, defense was the name of the game for this victory. Like his coach, he had been nervous over that Rosario heave, and felt relieved after the missed attempt.
“Nung Game 1, nagpaulan siya (Troy Rosario) ng three points. Buti na lang ngayon wala siyang tira, off night,” Abueva admitted. “In-adjust talaga namin depensa para sa kanya at sa import.”
“Kelangan siguraduhin namin yung depensa namin, kailangan namin lumusot dito para sa semis. Iba sistema nila, mahihirapan ka talaga at kailangan tiyagaan namin.”
Alaska scored more in transition, 15-3, and committed way less turnovers compared to TNT, 17-26. In this close match, the Aces shot five more free throws to close the deal out.
For the Tropa, Simon led with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and a good 14/19 field day. Castro and De Ocampo had 17 and 15 respectively off the bench.
The deciding game of this series will be played on Friday at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Alaska (85) – Dozier 18, Thoss 15, Abueva 15, Jazul 10, Dela Cruz 9, Baguio 7, Manuel 4, Hontiveros 3, Banchero 2, Exciminiano 2, Baclao 0, Menk 0
TNT (81) – Simon 31, Castro 17, De Ocampo 15, Rosario 8, Tautuaa 7, Ababou 3, Reyes 0, Williams 0, Carey 0, Fonacier 0, Reyes 0
Quarterscores: 20-16, 40-38, 67-65, 85-81
