Alaska weathered Barangay Ginebra's huge fourth-quarter rally to pull off a 105-96 win and grab the solo lead in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces saw their 20-point halftime lead vanish, 82-80, entering the fourth but never lost their composure and poise in the final 12 minutes of play to complete the victory – their fourth in as many games.
Reynel Hugnatan led the unbeaten Aces with 20 points – shooting 10-of-14 from the free throw line – and eight rebounds while Willie Miller only finished with 11 but scored seven of his team’s last 15 points.
“We played loosey-loosey in the second half. But it’s how we responded to that run that’s important. We didn’t get caught in the panic. (We) know Ginebra wouldn’t just go down without a fight," said coach Tim Cone.
The Kings suffered their first loss in four outings, yielding the top spot to the Aces as they settled for solo second pending the outcome of the Talk ‘N Text-Sta. Lucia game.
The Aces raced to a 60-40 lead just before halftime after scoring 28 in the second period.
But the game got very interesting when Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Ronald Tubid found their shooting touch and started to knock in triples as Ginebra poured in 38 in the third to make it a two-point game going into the final canto.
Ginebra was still well within striking distance after a Helterbrand basket (92-90).
But Miller, fresh off the bench, hit a long jumper, scored on a fastbreak, split his free throws and then had a key lay-up after points from Hugnatan and LA Tenorio to push Alaska safely ahead at 103-95 with 1:02 left to play.
Miller also had five rebounds, two assists and committed only a turnover. Tony Dela Cruz added 16 points, Tenorio had 15 and Joe DeVance, playing hurt with a fractured rib, 10 for the Aces, who will now have 10 days of rest before facing Sta. Lucia on Nov. 4.
Sonny Thoss grabbed 10 rebounds and scored six points.
Helterbrand, burdened with carrying the offensive load after injuries on Mark Caguioa (left knee) and Eric Menk (fractured pinky toe), finished with 23 points and seven rebounds while Tubid contributed 22 points and five rebounds.
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