IT was another typical win that Alaska just could not get enough of.
Putting up another stellar defensive effort, the Aces coasted to a 109-84 Game Four victory on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum to move on the verge of a finals berth in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Aces built an early lead as they limited the Batang Pier to just 42-percent shooting from the field, including just 9-of-37 from the three-point line to roll to the blowout victory that gave them a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
The Aces can wrap the series up in Game Five on Tuesday.
“I’m just proud of my guys’ defensive effort,” Aces coach Alex Compton said. “It was a great team effort.”
“Sorry, guys, if I keep saying the same stuff all the time, but it’s because I believe in it, so I can’t change my beliefs,” he added.
Calvin Abueva typified the energy and efficiency as usual, tallying 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 13 boards, and three assists in just 21 minutes off the bench.
Dondon Hontiveros and RJ Jazul, on the other hand, waxed hot from beyond the arc, combining for seven of the Aces’ 12 treys as the Alaska snipers finished with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
The Aces led from start to finish and erected their biggest lead at 25 in the final frame, were they never let the Batang Pier come closer than 16 points.
Terrence Romeo registered 24 markers on 21 attempts in 35 minutes, while Stanley Pringle added 16 points on 18 attempts in 37 minutes.
Jay Washington, who had urged his teammates to step up, chipped in 12 points and three boards in 30 minutes.
The scores:
ALASKA 109 – Abueva 20, Hontiveros 16, Jazul 14, Banchero 10, Dela Rosa 9, Baguio 8, Casio 8, Eximiniano 7, Baclao 4, Menk 3, Dela Cruz 2, Thoss 0
GLOBAPORT 84 – Romeo 24, Pringle 16, Washington 12, Yeo 8, Isip 6, Sumang 6, Kramer 4 Jensen 2, Maierhofer 2, Pena 2, Semerad 2, Hayes 0, Mamaril 0, Uyloan 0
Quarterscores: 32-20; 54-40; 82-62; 109-84