Aces take Game 1 of semis

CEBU, Philippines - The Alaska Aces drew first blood in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against Rain or Shine after coming back from 17 points down to win 87-80 in Game One of their best-of-seven series on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Alaska trailed, 34-17, in the second quarter but showed heart in overcoming the double-digit deficit in the second half. The Aces then put together a strong finishing kick, going on a 12-0 run late in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Sonny Thoss posted 16 points and nine rebounds to lead Alaska while JVee Casio added 16.

Calvin Abueva also came up big, scoring half of the team’s points in the Aces’ big fourth quarter run.     He finished with 14 points in a double-double performance.

The Rain or Shine transition game was deadly in the first half with the Elasto Painters’ speed giving them the chance for easy opportunities in what began as a defensive game early. Gabe Norwood and     Paul Lee scored on back-to-back baskets on the break as part of a 14-6 run for Rain or Shine to close the opening period ahead, 21-14.

The Elasto Painters sustained their advantage in the running game early in the second, with Ryan Araña and Jeff Chan leading the charge.

The pair continued to beat their opponents down the floor, combining to score nine early points as     Rain or Shine opened the quarter on a 13-3 burst that blew the game wide open in the first half.

Rain or Shine led by as much as 17 points, 34-17, after transition points from Chan.

But Alaska was able to fire back late. Abueva gave Rain or Shine a taste of their own medicine in the open court while Casio knocked down a couple of long range bombs as they rallied back to within three points, 43-40, by the halftime break.

Rain or Shine showcased some balanced offense in the first half with no player scoring more than seven points but seven different players contributing at least four markers.

Alaska received a big lift from Thoss, who already had 10 points and eight rebounds at the break.

The Aces found their groove late in the third. Thoss and RJ Jazul teamed up to score 10 unanswered points – Jazul on two triples and Thoss on a basket in the paint and a midrange jumper – that gave Alaska its first taste of the lead.

Alaska led 57-53 after the big third quarter rally and held a 61-58 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Rain or Shine reclaimed the advantage in the fourth, though, after Raymond Almazan scored five    straight points on a rare three-pointer and a putback and Chan added two more on the break to grab a 70-65 lead.

But Alaska once again made its move late, firing off 12 straight points to overturn Rain or Shine’s lead.

Ping Exciminiano connected on back-to-back baskets and Baguio attacked in transition for another basket to make it a 6-0 run for the Aces.

Abueva then took over, scoring the next six points. He hit a jumper from the midrange, then tipped in a missed attempt from Baguio. He took a nasty spill on a rebound play but was undeterred, driving to the hoop and drawing a foul for two easy free throws.

The Aces led by eight points, 85-77, with 1:40 to play after their big rally.

They held Rain or Shine scoreless for nearly four minutes before Jonathan Uyloan hit a three-pointer to end their drought and come to within five, 85-80, with about a minute and a half to play.

But Casio finished on a tough layup to make it a seven-point game in the final minute and the Aces played some solid defense to seal the victory.— InterAKTV