The Alaska Aces continued their dominance over the Meralco Bolts, scoring a wire-to-wire 87-69 win to advance to the semifinal round of the 40th PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The do-or-die showdown was only close in the early minutes of the game as the Aces had an easy time disposing of the Bolts to earn the right to face early semifinalists Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a best-of-seven series.
Alaska manhandled Meralco in their elimination round meeting, 105-64 , and pulled off another rout behind a stifling defense and a fluid offense.
With the game tied at 6-all, Alaska staged a 16-2 blast to open up a 22-8 lead.
Alaska went on to post a mammoth 47-25 lead at the half behind Cyrus Baguio’s five quick points, capped by a fancy, one-handed three-pointer just before the halftime buzzer sounded.
BOX SCORES
ALASKA (87) – Manuel 17, Baguio 15, Hontiveros 13, Casio 11, Banchero 8, Abueva 5, Jazul 5, Exciminiano 4, Dela Cruz 4, Menk 3, Dela Rosa 2, Eman 0, Thoss 0.
MERALCO (69) – Wilson 16, Anthony 11, Cortez 11, David 8, Caram 7, Hodge 5, Macapagal 4, Buenafe 3, Dillinger 2, Hugnatan 2, Ildefonso 0, Ferriols 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.QUARTERSCORES: 27-12, 47-25, 64-50, 87-69.