Alaska frustrates ROS

JAY R. GOTERA Saudi Gazette MANILA — The Alaska Aces kept their title hopes alive, frustrating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 86-78, in Game 5 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday night. Alaska’s second straight win cut ROS’ series lead to 3-2, with the Aces looking forward to tying the series with another win Wednesday to force a deciding Game 7. The Aces are trying to duplicate what the San Miguel Beermen did to them in this season’s Philippine Cup finals when the Beermen won the last four games after trailing 0-3 to win the championship. Once again the Aces relied on their stifling defense to show down the Painters who were held to their lowest output in four conferences. Calvin Abueva showed anew why he was named Best Player of the Conference as he led the Aces with a game-high 20 points, half of them scored in the payoff period and four straight in the last two minutes to ensure Alaska’s victory. The energetic Alaska forward also had a team-high 13 rebounds and two blocks. Import Rob Dozier added 14 points on top of eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Dondon Hontiveros also sparkled for the Aces, firing 12 points including three triples. RJ Jazul and Cyrus Baguio also finished in double figures, chipping in 13 and 11 points, respectively. The Aces trailed for most parts of the match but poured in on in the fourth quarter to grab the lead for good at 72-69. The Aces extended their lead to 7 points, 76-69. But the Painters came storming back to chop Alaska’s lead to 76-73. But the Aces responded with a 10-5 blast to finish off the Painters. The Painters could blame their import’s anemic performance for their lost. Pierre Henderson-Niles could only manage to produce six points and eight rebounds while committing five turnovers. Jeff Chan and Paul Lee led ROS in offense, with Chan posting a team-high 17 points and Lee getting 16 markers. Game Wednesday: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Alaska Aces (Game 6 of best-of-7 Finals; ROS leads 3-2).