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MANILA, Philippines – While most of the spotlight in Alaska now belongs to Sonny Thoss and Calvin Abueva, two veterans shone bright in the Aces’ 91-82 triumph over the Meralco Bolts in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, December 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Dondon Hontiveros and Cyrus Baguio, arguably two of the best shooting guards of their era, starred as the Aces notched their third win in the Philippine Cup. Hontiveros scord 24 points on 50% shooting from the field, while Baguio had 23 markers, including 8 in a 12-2 run that sealed the game for Alaska.
“Dondon (Hontiveros) has been struggling for quite some time and he comes out like that; I’m just proud of how the guys came out today,” said Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo after the match. (READ: No panic button yet for coach Luigi Trillo)
“When you reach the playoffs, it’s another level. You take care of the basketball more. The sense of urgency is there because the stakes are high. That sense of urgency has to be now for us.”
Trillo also lauded Espinas, who pulled down a career-high 23 rebounds in the match. “He controlled his temper for the betterment of the team.”
The Aces took the driver’s seat early in the second quarter after a 13-0 blast behind hot shooting from Hontiveros. The Bolts managed to trim the deficit, 45-50, heading into their locker room.
Baguio and Thoss then conspired in the third period to give Alaska another double-digit margin at 66-56, before Mike Cortez showed his leadership to bring back Meralco in the match. The Bolts trailed by just 2, 66-68 before entering the final period.
It was a neck and neck battle in the fourth quarter as both teams did not want to cripple down. Gary David and Hontiveros would trade baskets, resulting to a 79-all deadlock with just 4:12 remaining.
Baguio then took the charge, rifling in two triples in a run that pushed Alaska to safety. Alaska moved up to 3-5 in the standings, joining Meralco who also has a similar slate.
The scores:
Alaska (91) – Hontiveros 24, Baguio 23, Thoss 20, Abueva 9, Espinas 7, Casio 4, Dela Cruz 2, Jazul 2, Exciminiano 0, Eman 0.
Meralco (82) – Cortez 22, David 15, Hugnatan 15, Wilson 10, Al-Hussaini 8, Dillinger 8, Sena 4, Timberlake 0, Salvacion 0, Guevarra 0.
Quarters: 22-19, 50-45, 68-66, 91-82
– with reports from Levi Verora/Rappler.com
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