Alaska nips SMB in Legends finale

MANILA, Philippines — Alaska took advantage of the undermanned San Miguel side, and escaped with a thrilling 77-75 win to cop the UNTV Cup PBA Legends  Face-off crown Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Johnny Abarrientos sank the game-winning lay-up in the last 12.2 seconds as the Milkmen foiled the Beermen’s sweep bid and stole the championship in this tournament organized by the UNTV and the PBA Legends Foundation. 

Abarrientos, the 1996 PBA MVP, wound up with 12 points while his backcourt partner Willie Miller erupted for 34 points to lead the way for the Milkmen who finished with  a 4-1 slate, suffering the lone defeat at the hands of the Beermen (71-86) during the elims.

Eddie Laure and Jeffrey Cariaso were also instrumental in the win with eight markers apiece for Alaska which trailed, 62-70, entering the final canto before launching a 13-2 run highlighted by a Miller triple in the last minute to grab a 75-72 lead. 

Chris Calaguio paced the Beermen – who played without Danny Ildefonso and Danny Seigle – with 23 points with Allan Caidic adding 16 markers including a crucial trey in the last 46 seconds to forge a 75-all deadlock. 

Gunner Kiko Adriano chipped in 15 markers while Olsen Racela added eight.

San Miguel had a chance to salvage the game but Racela missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer. 

Meanwhile, Purefoods registered its lone win in the tourney, beating Ginebra, 98-75, in the fight for third place.

Roger Yap top scored with 20 points.