Meralco Bolts’ Cliff Hodge soars for a lay-up against Alaska Aces’ Calvin Abueva during their game in the 39th PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday. (inquirer)
Six-foot-10 import Brian Butch made the most damage from outside the paint as he carried the Meralco Bolts to an 85-76 win over the defending champions Alaska Aces last night in the 39th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Butch went six-of-11 from the three-point land to finish with 27 points, leading the Bolts’ convincing win after losing badly to the San Miguel Beermen last Friday, 76-94.
The Bolts were in full command throughout the game despite missing the services of the injured Jared Dillinger and Mike Cortez.
The Aces went into the match with a souped-up cast after acquiring scrappy forward Vic Manuel from the Air21 Express.
Alaska went on to dominate the rebounding battle, 53-45, but Meralco did a good job of attacking the basket and made a killing from the free throw line.
The Bolts went 29-for-42 from the charity stripe while the Aces made it to the line just 28 times and made 18.
Butch held his ground against the taller Alaska frontline and managed to grab 17 rebounds. Giving the needed local support were Reynel Hugnatan, Gary David and Cliff Hodge, who combined for 38 points.
Alaska fell to its second loss in three games.
Jvee Casio paced the Aces with 19 markers, while Robert Dozier had 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Cyrus Baguio scored 12 and Sonny Thoss had 10 for the Aces, who failed to get a good follow-up of their 93-77 win over the GlobalPort Batang Pier last Saturday.
Manuel marked his first game with the Aces with six points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
BOX SCORES
MERALCO (85) – Butch 27, Hugnatan 14, David 12, Hodge 12, Caram 7, Mandani 5, Ildefonso 4, Guevarra 2, Wilson 2, Al-Hussaini 0.
ALASKA (76) – Casio 19, Dozier 17, Baguio 12, Thoss 10, Manuel 6, Jazul 4, Espinas 3, Reyes 2, Abueva 2, Dela Cruz 1, Hontiveros 0. QUARTERSCORES: 20-12, 37-33, 61-54, 85-76.