Alaska hands defending champs Purefoods a 20-point beating

Jane Bracher

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Alaska hands defending champs Purefoods a 20-point beating
'The Beast' Calvin Abueva leads the Aces as dominate defending champions Star Hotshots

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces kicked off their 2015 Philippine Cup campaign in the best way possible by battering defending champions Purefoods Star Hotshots, 93-73, on Wednesday, October 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, just after the Grand Slam team received their championship rings.

The Aces pulled away in the second period by outscoring the Hotshots 27-13 and they never looked back on their way to building their biggest lead at 89-64 with less than 4 minutes left.

“It’s a great start,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton. “Purefoods is great and they have the best coach of the league.”

Calvin Abueva scattered 21 points and grabbed 4 rebounds off the bench to lead all scorers. While RJ Jazul and Vic Manuel had 11 points apiece.

Alaska had an answer to every Purefoods rally as the latter shot itself on the foot by missing most of their free throws, 21-of-44.

The Aces on the other hand, were more effective from the line with 19-of-24. Compton’s wards were also on point energy-wise, out-rebounding the Hotshots, 48-40.

Sonny Thoss had the most boards with 13 to add to his 9 markers.

“Gusto ko talaga yung energy ng team namin,” Compton said. (I liked the energy of our team.)

Turnovers also marred Purefoods’ game as they throwed the ball away 24 times, which resulted to 17 turnover points for Alaska.

Without Purefoods hustle guy Marc Pingris protecting the rim and effectively converting on scrappy plays, the Aces attacked at will for a 52-26 edge on points in the paint and a 10-4 advantage on second-chance points.

Compton acknowledged that Pingris’ absence was a huge factor in their victory.

“Aminin na natin, I think the number one energy guy I’ve seen, Marc Pingris, wala siya. And malaking bagay sa kanila yun,” he said of the Gilas Pilipinas forward who was given 3 weeks to rest and will return to practice by October 25.

“Since wala siya, some of our bench guys were able to take advantage of that.”

(Let’s admit it, I think the number one energy guy I’ve seen, Marc Pingris, he didn’t play. And that’s a big loss for them. Since he’s not there, some of our bench guys were able to take advantage of that.)

Meanwhile, Purefoods sophomore Ian Sangalang went down at the 4:16 mark of the the period, landing awkwardly on his right knee. He managed to stand up and attempt some free throws but promptly left the court right after.

According to team physical therapists, Sangalang was taken to St. Luke’s Global City for an MRI and they will find out Thursday, October 23 the result.

Scores:

ALASKA (93) – Abueva 21, Manuel 11, Jazul 11, Thoss 9, Hontiveros 9, Casio 9, Baguio 6, Bugia 6, Banchero 5, Eman 2, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 0.

PUREFOODS (73) – Yap 16, Taha 10, Simon 10, Barroca 6, Devance 6, Maliksi 5, Matias 5, Melton 4, Mallari 4, Reavis 3, Holstein 3, Sangalang 1, Gaco 0.

Quarter scores: 16-16, 43-29, 68-51, 93-73.

– Rappler.com

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