Aces outclass listless Batang Pier, gain 3-1 lead

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska Milk shifted to higher gear and played relentlessly through four quarters in a wire-to-wire 109-84 win over Globalport to step on the threshold of a second straight PBA all-Filipino finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Picking up from where they left off in their 100-76 triumph in Game Two, the Aces pummeled the Batang Pier from start to finish for  a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven semis series.

Twice losing finalists last season, the Aces now have three chances at clinching a third finals appearance in four conferences, taking their first crack at easing out the Batang Pier in Game Five at 7 p.m. tomorrow also at the Big Dome.

Rain or Shine also takes a shot at a 3-1 lead versus San Miguel Beer at the resumption of their own semis battle tonight at the same venue.

The Elasto Painters are raring to stoke the fire of their two straight wins despite the loss of two core players in Raymond Almazan and Jericho Cruz on injuries.

SMB coach Leo Austria, meanwhile, has warned certain players to better heed his calls or he’s ready to make a drastic move even at the risk of losing his job.

“I’ve told my players don’t underestimate me. I’m ready to put my job on the line,” said Austria, utterly disappointed with their losses in Games Two and Three.

Alaska coach Alex Compton, meanwhile, was all praises for his troops as they dished out another heads-up performance resulting in a thorough domination of the Final Four neophyte Batang Pier.

“I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m blessed to coach the guys I’ve got to coach. I’m proud of them. They’re committed to leave their hearts on the floor,” said Compton.

“We’re totally outhustled. Ang babaw ng energy namin or halos wala kaming energy,” said Globalport coach Pido Jarencio, on the other hand.

The Aces blasted the Batang Pier on hustle or energy plays, winning the rebounding battle, 52-43, and fastbreak points at 31-15.

And as in the last two games, the Alaska reserves accounted for significant numbers, smothering their Globalport counterparts, 75-36.

Calvin Abueva was hard work personified, coming through with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

For the Alaska workhorse, it’s returning the good gesture of his teammates who chipped in on the huge P41,000 fine meted him by the league for his unsportsmanlike conduct in Game Two.

RJ Jazul, Chris Banchero, Vic Manuel and Cyrus Baguio were the other Alaska players who played solid off the bench, contributing at least eight points apiece.

Tapped to start in place of Baguio at No. 2 spot, Dondon Hontiveros responded by firing away 16 markers, including three triples.

Jarencio also made an adjustment on his starting unit, starting off with Joseph Yeo at off-guard instead of Stanley Pringle.

The ploy seemed to backfire, with the Batang Pier  getting off to a bad start, making a first basket through Dorian Penna with already almost three minutes into the game.

The Aces built early double-digit spreads, sat on a 54-40 cushion at the half and stormed to a 20-point bulge at the end of the third.