ALASKA survived Barako Bull’s late rally to eke out a hard-earned 108-100 win and assure itself of a playoff for an automatic semifinal seat in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces saw their 16-point lead cut to only four after Emman Monfort hit a jumper from the corner for a 95-99 count with three minutes and 15 seconds remaining.
But Calvin Abueva, Vic Manuel and RJ Jazul delivered the knockout punches to secure the victory for the Aces, who finished the elimination phase tied with San Miguel Beer at 9-2 won-lost.
Alaska could reach the semifinals outright if Rain or Shine (8-2) loses to Nlex in Saturday’s second game.
A win by the Elasto Painters will create a three-way tie among Rain or Shine, Alaska and San Miguel Beer. But the Elasto Painters will emerge No. 1 seed because of a superior quotient. The Aces and Beermen, meanwhile, will fight it out for the No. 2 spot.
“I’m happy we are 9-2. Going into the playoffs, our defense is pretty solid but we need to get better,” said Alaska Head Coach Alex Compton, who had six players scoring at least nine points.
Abueva had 22 points and 13 rebounds, Manuel added 21 markers and seven boards, while Jazul chipped in 11 points.
Cyrus Baguio and Sonny Thoss each had 11 points for Alaska, which threatened to break the game wide open after erecting an 82-66 spread late in the third period.
But the Energy, needing a win to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage in the first phase of the quarterfinals, kept the game close behind Willy Wilson, Chico Lanete and Rodney Brondial and were down, 90-92, with 5:34 left in the game.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza