Alaska Aces shut down Meralco to enter PH Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines — The Alaska Aces held the Meralco Bolts to just 25 points in the first 24 minutes and never loosened up the defense on their way to a lopsided 87-69 triumph in the knockout phase, punching a ticket to the semifinals of the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, December 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I think the story of the game was how we started. If in one half, your opponent scored just 25 points, you have a big chance of winning,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “These guys just defended so hard for the first 24 minutes of the game and I think that’s how we won.”

Vic Manuel emerged with a game-high 17 points and 9 rebounds while Cyrus Baguio shot 7-of-12 from the field for his 15 markers along with 5 boards. 

Dondon Hontiveros and JVee Casio added 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Alaska, who started the conference at 6-0 before faltering towards the end of the eliminations, will face a streaking Rain or Shine in a best-of-7 semis affair. The Painters ended the eliminations on a 7-game win streak, which they intend to ride come the semis. 

“I actually expect that to be a great series,” said Compton, who started his coaching career with the franchise in 2006 as an assistant. “I have a lot of respect for them as an organization. And obviously, coach Yeng (Guiao) is one of the best coaches in the league. I don’t know how the Hall of Fame works but if he’s not in it yet, he will be.” 

The Aces clamped down on defense early, keeping the Bolts on a leash with a 28% shooting clip by the end of the first half. Compton’s wards matched their intense defense with 56% field goal shooting for a 47-25 halftime spread, Alaska’s biggest lead, and sucked the life out of Meralco, who never scored more than 4 straight points at that juncture.

Alaska, who escaped NLEX 82-78 in the quarterfinals first phase last Thursday, broke away in the first period with a 10-0 run which gave them momentum and a 22-8 early advantage. Meralco never led in the ballgame.

“When you have a 22-point lead, you have a good chance of winning the game,” Compton said. 

The Bolts failed to make a serious run and threaten their foes with the Aces’ unforgiving full court press hounding their guards all game long.

Coach Norman Black’s squad inched to within 13, 71-58, after an 8-0 burst early in the fourth but Manuel answered back right away with a jumper as Alaska later pushed the lead back up to 83-62 with over 5 minutes left.

Meralco, who was unable to carry over their momentum from dethroning Grand Slam champions Purefoods last Thursday, had John Wilson leading the team with 16 points and 5 rebounds. 

Sean Anthony finished with a double-double of 11 points and 12 boards while Mike Cortez also had 11 markers.

Scores

Alaska (87): Manuel 17, Baguio 15, Hontiveros 13, Casio 11, Banchero 8, Abueva 5, Jazul 5, Exciminiano 4, Dela Cruz 4, Menk 3, Dela Rosa 2, Eman 0, Thoss 0. 

Meralco (69): Wilson 16, Anthony 11, Cortez 11, David 8, Caram 7, Hodge 5, Macapagal 4, Buenafe 3, Dillinger 2, Hugnatan 2, Ildefonso 0, Ferriols 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.

Quarter scores: 27-12, 47-25, 64-50, 87-69.

– Rappler.com