Alaska weathers Barako Bull, closes in on outright semis

MANILA, Philippines – Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel helped the Alaska Aces weather a last-ditch comeback by the Barako Bull Energy, 108-100, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday, December 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Abueva had a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds along with 3 assists, while Manuel had 21 markers and 7 boards as the Aces closed in on an outright semifinals berth.

Alaska, who is now temporarily at first place over San Miguel Beer with a 9-2 record by virtue of winner-over-the-over, may advance as the top seed should Rain or Shine lose to NLEX in the day’s second game. In that scenario, the Painters will drop to the third seed while the Beermen will lock in the second seed and the last automatic semifinals ticket.

Only the top two teams at the end of the eliminations will move on directly to the final four.

If Rain or Shine prevails, they will take the top seed and there will be a playoff for the second seed between Alaska and San Miguel.

Cyrus Baguio, RJ Jazul, and Sonny Thoss all chipped in 11 points apiece, as the Aces fought back the surging Energy in the fourth quarter.

Willy Wilson scattered 23 points along with 14 rebounds and 4 assists, as Barako Bull will enter the quarterfinals either as 7th or 8th seed, depending on whether NLEX wins or loses against Rain or Shine.

Neither the Energy nor the Road Warriors will have a twice-to-beat edge in the playoffs.

JC Intal had 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 turnovers, while Chico Lanete and Josh Urbiztondo added 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Emman Monfort had 12 markers and 5 assists, and Jeric Fortuna chipped in 10 points as Barako Bull fell short of its comeback attempt from 16 points down in the third period.

The Energy came as close as 94-92 on a Wilson jumper midway in the final frame but could not get over the hump.

Scores:

Alaska (108): Abueva 22, Manuel 21, Baguio 11, Jazul 11, Thoss 11, Casio 9, Hontiveros 8, Banchero 7, Baclao 4, Dela Cruz 4, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0, Menk 0.

Barako (100): Wilson 23, Intal 15, Lanete 14, Urbiztondo 13, Monfort 12, Fortuna 10, Brondial 7, Miranda 3, Pennisi 3, Baracael 0, Forrester 0.

Quarter scores: 23-30, 50-48, 82-70, 108-100.

– Rappler.com