ANGELES CITY - San Miguel turned back a gritty Alaska five, 92-88 to put together its first winning streak in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Alex Cabagnot topscored for 19 points to lead four others who finished in double figures for the five-time reigning champions, who improved to a 3-2 (win-loss) card.
The loss halted the Aces' three-game winning run for an even 3-3 slate and spoiled a special night when they wore their 1996 grand slam retro jersey.
Coach Leo Austria acknowledged the four-day break allowed the Beermen to rest their weary bodies, but was also aware the Aces were playing their third game Saturday night at the Angeles University Foundation gym in the last five days.
That shouldn't take away however, the credit for the work done by his team, according to the champion mentor as it continues to overcome the injuries to six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo as well as the absence of Matt Ganuelas-Rosser.
"I have to give credit to the team as the veterans really stepped up big," he said in the post-game presser.
Arwind Santos, the 2013 MVP, had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, Mo Tautuaa with an all-around game of 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while the duo of Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross added 13 and 10, respectively.
The game was close all the way, with Alaska still on top, 82-80, midway in the fourth quarter.
But Cabagnot and Lassiter sparked an 8-0 San Miguel run that allowed the defending champion to take control of the close game going home.
"I felt the sence of urgency from the players," admitted Austria, whose team started its campaign inside the bubble by losing two games in a row.
Vic Manuel and rookie Barkley Ebona share scoring honors for Alaska with 18 points apiece. Ebona was 9-of-11 from the floor and had five rebounds.
Big man Abu Tratter finished with a double-double for Alaska with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
The scores
San Miguel (92) -- Cabagnot 19, Santos 17, Tautuaa 16, Lassiter 13, Ross 10, Pessumal 8, Zamar 6, Escoto 2, Mamaril 1, Gamalinda 0.
Alaska (88) -- Manuel 18, Ebona 18, DiGregorio 13, Herndon 12, Tratter 11, Brondial 9, Casio 7, Teng 0, Ahanmisi 0, Galliguez 0, Ayaay 0, Publico 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17; 41-39; 69-68; 92-88.
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