Hontiveros’ hot hands sends Alaska to PH Cup finals

Jane Bracher

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Hontiveros’ hot hands sends Alaska to PH Cup finals
Hontiveros caught fire and drained 5 three-pointers in the final period

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Dondon Hontiveros lit up from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter and helped the Alaska Aces win their best-of-7 semifinals series versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in 6 games, 79-76, to barge into the finals of the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, January 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After a quiet first 3 quarters, Hontiveros caught fire and drained 5 three-pointers – from every angle possible – for 15 points in the pivotal final period to end up with 17 markers and 6 rebounds.

The 37-year-old knocked down back-to-back treys in the final 1 minute and 39 seconds of the ballgame – including one to tie the game at 76, and the go-ahead triple that notched the final tally – to halt Rain or Shine’s bid of extending the series to a game 7. 

“I think the break really helped Dondon,” Alaska head coach Alex Compton said of his tireless swingman. “He had a sprained ankle.”

“As a shooter, if your feet aren’t under you it’s really hard to make shots,” he explained how Hontiveros’ injury hampered him and why the one week break beforeg game 6 mattered. “Dondon really struggled to make shots throughout the series, and one of the big reasons was he had a sprained ankle and a calf injury. So the break helped him recover and he had that look in his eyes.”

Calvin Abueva and Sonny Thoss paced Alaska with 15 and 11 points, respectively, and at the same time piling up on rebounds with 9 and 6 each.

Vic Manuel was Alaska’s top rebounder with 10 as they once again bested Rain or Shine in that department, 53-50. The Painters have lost the rebounding department for the 12th straight game dating back to the elimination round, according to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

Jeff Chan and Raymond Almazan were the only scorers in double figures for Rain or Shine with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Chan sank an in-rhythm triple with 3:30 left for a 71-74 Rain or Shine cushion but he along with Paul Lee and Gabe Norwood missed 4 straight attempts from long range in the final minute as they tried to tie the game and go into overtime.

Ang pinakamaganda diyan is nanalo kami sa defense (The best thing is we won on defense),” Compton said of his team that ranks second in the league for points allowed, just behind their finals opponents San Miguel. They limited Rain or Shine to just a 28-point first half. 

“I’m so proud of that. That’s really character.”

The Aces will engage in another best-of-7 affair against the San Miguel Beermen, which boasts reigning PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo as well as 2013 league MVP Arwind Santos.

“Without question they’ve (San Miguel) been the best team in the PBA this conference. Those guys are good,” said Compton, who took over for Alaska early in the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup where he quickly made an impact and led the Aces to a semifinals finish, which they coincidentally lost to the Painters. 

It is the 27th finals appearance of the Alaska franchise. The last time they battled for the title was in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup when they won their most recent championship.

Alaska is gunning for its franchise’s 14th title while San Miguel is looking to make it 20 championships. Game 1 will tip off on Wednesday, January 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Scores

ALASKA (79): Hontiveros 17, Abueva 15, Thoss 11, Baguio 6, Manuel 6, Menk 6, Jazul 5, Exciminiano 4, Dela Cruz 4, Casio 3, Banchero 2, Eman 0, Dela Rosa 0, Espinas 0.

RAIN OR SHINE (76): Chan 14, Almazan 11, Uyloan 9, Arana 9, Belga 9, Lee 7, Ibanes 6, Norwood 4, Tang 4, Quinahan 3, Teng 0, Tiu 0, Cruz 0.

Quarter scores: 20-16, 36-28, 56-60, 79-76.

– Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!