ANTIPOLO — Romeo Travis scored 23 points, Sonny Thoss scored all his four points late in the game, and Alaska escaped with a 94-93 win over Rain or Shine on Friday night in the PBA Governors Cup.
Travis and Thoss combined in a 7-2 finish for the Aces, who still needed a tough defensive stand against Paul Lee in the final four seconds to claim victory in a thrilling game at the Ynares Center.
Alaska coach Alex Compton was relieved to get away with the win against the runner-up in the last Commissioner's Cup.
“Sa akin, sa mga nag-iisip na pagod na pagod ang Rain or Shine sa finals, sasabihin ko sa kanila na hindi totoo yan. Masipag sila. Parang walang nagbago sa kanila,” said Compton.
The Elastopainters dropped to 0-2 after letting a 91-88 lead slip away in the endgame.
Travis hit a fadeaway jumper to cut Alaska’s deficit to one point before Thoss scored inside to give the Aces the lead , 92-91, with 1:53 left in the fourth.
A perfectly executed pick-and-roll play led to another easy Thoss layup for a 94-91 lead.
After Jericho Cruz hit two free throws, Rain or Shine had one last chance to win the game with four seconds left in the game but Casio, serving as the last line of defense, stopped a drive by Lee.
RJ Jazul had 14 points, Vic Manuel added 13 points, while Casio and Dondon Hontiveros chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the unbeaten Aces.
Wendell McKines scored 24 points for Rain or Shine, which overhauled a 12-point deficit with a 19-3 run to take the lead, 91-87.
The scores:
Alaska (94) — Travis 23, Jazul 14, Manuel 13, Casio 11, Hontiveros 10, Abueva 7, Banchero 6, Thoss 4, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 2, Menk 2, Baguio 0, Baclao 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Rain or Shine (93) — McKines 24, Cruz 16, Lee 13, Quinahan 8, Almazan 8, Norwood 6, Jervy Cruz 6, Tang 5, Belga 3, Uyloan 2, Ibanes 2.
Quarterscores: 24-21, 42-43, 77-64, 94-93.
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