Alaska avoids sweep with Game 4 win vs Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines – The balloons weren’t falling from the heavens of The Big Dome just yet.

The Alaska Aces staved off elimination and a sweep at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with a hard-earned victory in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, 111-99, on Friday, May 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Led by the play of Best Player of the Conference Calvin Abueva, Alaska out-scored Rain or Shine 29-18 in the second period to take control of the game and cruise the rest of the way. 

Game 5 is on Sunday, May 15, with the Elasto Painters up 3-1. The Aces are aiming to become just the second team in league history to rally from down 0-3 after the San Miguel Beermen did it to them last conference.

Abueva, who received his award prior to the game, finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists before getting ejected with 1:35 left in the game. Chris Banchero also played well off the bench with 17 points and 8 assists.

Rain or Shine was led by the career high 30 points of rookie Maverick Ahanmisi. JR Quinahan and Jeff Chan each had 10 points.

Scores:

Alaska (111): Dozier 23, Banchero 17, Jazul 15, Abueva 14, Baguio 11, Thoss 11, Hontiveros 7, Racal 7, Dela Cruz 4, Baclao 2, Dela Rosa 0

Rain or Shine (99): Ahanmisi 30, Lee 11, Chan 10, Quinahan 10, Cruz 9, Norwood 9, Belga 6, Ibanes 4, Henderson-Niles 3, Ponferada 3, Almazan 2, Tiu 2, Teng 0

Quarter scores: 25-21, 54-39, 90-67, 111-99 – Rappler.com