Alaska made sure there would be no more meltdown this time as the Aces got their rhythm back at the crunch to beat the Mahindra Floodbuster, 107-91, in the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Aces squandered a double-digit lead early in the payoff period but Dondon Hontiveros flashed vintage form, burying a huge triple to spark a telling 15-4 run to put the team back on top for good, 91-80 with still over five minutes left.
Also stepping up for the Aces in that game-changing assault was another veteran in Tony dela Cruz who scattered seven points off the bench, including a key basket that helped them secure their fifth win in 9 games and boost their bid for a quarterfinal berth.
The win likewise eased the pain caused by their stinging 103-100 loss to the Blackwater Elite last Sunday where they blew a 13-point lead in the second half.
Rugged forward Vic Manuel also came off the bench to lead all Alaska scorers with 20 points while Calvin Abueva finished with a double-double effort 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Hontiveros, who is now on his 16th year in the league, wound up with seven points in a performance that earned his praises from coach Alex Compton.
After Alaska threatened to pull away with several spurts in the second quarter, the Floodbusters cut the deficit to 74-72 going into fourth period, and finally tying the score at 76-all on two free throws by Nico Elorde with 10:36 left to play.
Hontiveros, however, came to Alaska’s rescue, hitting a 3-point shot which turned out to be the spark the Aces needed to launch a counter-attack.
“We’re in a bit of a transition in a sense, in terms of veteran and leadership, Jvee, Calvin and RJ (Jazul) are our three captains. Not Tony and Dondon (co-captains from last season),” said Compton.
“That being said, Tony and Dondon started to change the game. That’s the benefit to have leaders like that. Today the veteran leaders came in the second half, grateful to have those guys on my team,” he added.
To advance to the next round, the Aces must sweep their last two games, first against Phoenix Fuel on Friday and Rain or Shine on Feb. 1 – the final day of elimination round.
“San Miguel Beer, they’re the best team in the league. But then the rest of us, at 5-4 and 5-5, from ninth to second… ang gulo ng standings ngayon,” said Compton as the Aces tied Phoenix, TNT, GlobalPort, RoS and Ginebra.
Scores:
First Game
ALASKA 107 – Manuel 20, Abueva 18, Casio 11, Jazul 9, Racal 9, Dela Cruz 7, Galliguez 7, Hontiveros 7, Thoss 5, Mendoza 5, Magat 3, Pascual 2, Exciminiano 2, Cruz 2.
MAHINDRA 91 – Mallari 23, Escoto 16, Eriobu 15, Celda 10, Deutchman 9, Teng 7, Ballesteros 4, Paniamogan 3, Elorde 2, Yee 2, Revilla 0, Salva 0, Gallanza 0, Digregorio 0.
Quarters: 27-27, 53-42, 74-72, 107-91.