PBA: Aces continue rolling with destruction of Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – You can’t count Alaska out.

In a rematch of last year’s finalists, Alaska dominated a lackluster Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel, 83-73 to show they’re still a team to contend with in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, April 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The defending Commissioner’s Cup titlists showcased their playoff form and had weapons aplenty to capture their 4th straight win and improve to 5-3, dropping Ginebra to 3-5 in the process.

Reigning Best Import of the Conference Rob Dozier asserted his might, scoring 22 points and hauling 16 rebounds, draining key baskets to answer Ginebra’s rally. 

Aces head coach Luigi Trillo attributes this win to their shellacking defense in the first half, limiting Ginebra to just 20.5% from the field and 24 points in the first 24 minutes of action.

“We did a good job in the first half, obviously, (Josh) Powell got injured and he couldn’t come back. They went on fire in the third and fourth; they did not give up but without Powell, they were different,” said Trillo.

“We don’t want to focus on (the streak). It will get tougher from here and everybody wants to avoid Talk ‘N Text.”

Trillo added San Miguel, San Mig Coffee, and Brgy. Ginebra are the strongest teams in thr past conferences.

Coach Ato Agustin had to rely twin towers Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter as the Kings went all-Filipino in the third quarter. The two combined for 12 points in a 16-4 bomb halfway in the third period, momentarily bringing the crowd to life as Ginebra got within 42-49.

But the screeches would turn into silence afterwards as Rob Dozier would respond by scoring 8 in a 12-2 run that increased the Aces’ lead to 61-44 heading into the final period.

From there the Aces were able to protect their lead until the end, dodging any meltdown or comeback attempts from their opponents.

JVee Casio fired 13 points while Dondon Hontiveros added 10 markers and 9 boards.

Powell, who was supposedly suffering from a minor foot injury, had a scoreless night for Ginebra. The Kings  shot a miserable 34.2% from the field, including 10.7% from three-point territory.

The Kings were led by Greg Slaughter who finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Scores:

Alaska (83) – Dozier 22, Casio 13, Hontiveros 10, Espinas 8, Manuel 8, Baguio 8, Jazul 6, Thoss 4, Reyes 2, Abueva 2, Dela Cruz 0, Buenafe 0.

Brgy. Ginebra (73) – Slaughter 20, Aguilar 12, Tenorio 11, Baracael 8, Ellis 6, Caguioa 6, Urbiztondo 5, Reyes 3, Helterbrand 2, Powell 0, Ababou 0.

Quarterscores: 19-11, 40-24, 61-44, 83-73.

– Rappler.com