ONE more win.
That’s the only thing Alaska needs now to enter the big stage after it repeated another drubbing of GlobalPort, 109-84, in Game 4 of their best-of-seven semifinals series, holding a commanding 3-1 advantage the 2015-16 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calvin Abueva’s efficiency and energy on both ends of the floor boosted Alaska’s cause as he poured in a double-double of 20 points, on 9-of-14 shooting, to go with 13 rebounds.
The Aces can finish off the Batang Pier and enter the finals with another victory in Game 5, slated Tuesday, 7 p.m. at the Big Dome.
This third straight victory of Alaska after dropping Game 1 placed it in a good position to make the finals for the third time in the last four conferences while avenging last season’s bitter championship series defeat.
‘’Isang laro pa, isang panalo pa para sa finals. Sana makuha na namin,’’ said Abueva.
Alaska coach Alex Compton praised his wards and how they stamped their class.
‘’I can’t ask for more. I thought the guys responded really well,’’ said Compton of his team’s performance. ‘’I hope we can finish it in Game 5.’’
From the get-go, the top-seeded Aces continued their mastery of the ailing Batang Pier as their stellar play on both sides of the floor gave them a sizeable 32-20 double-digit lead at the end of one.
The trend continued in the second frame as Alaska just kept the pounding going, grabbing a halftime 54-40 lead.
Dondon Hontiveros scored 13 of his 16 points in the opening half to pace Alaska’s decisive attack.
In the third, Alaska further upped its play and stretched its lead to an insurmountable one, a whopping 82-62 spread entering the final 12 minutes of play.
The final tally was actually the Aces’ largest lead of the contest.
RJ Jazul also came up huge off the bench, adding 14 points for the Aces.
GlobalPort’s one-two punch of Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle were limited to 24 and 16 points, respectively, and they barely got any help from their pals as the Batang Pier was never in it at any point of the game.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine, leading the series 2-1 at the moment, will shoot for its third straight win against San Miguel tonight as it looks to move within a game of the finalsas well in their own best-of-seven semis clash at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as well.
After dropping the opening game, the Elasto Painters bounced back strong in Games 2 and 3 in the series to grab a crucial lead over the struggling defending champions.
The scores:
Alaska 109 — Abueva 20, Hontiveros 16, Jazul 14, Banchero 10, Dela Rosa 9, Baguio 8, Casio 8, Eximiniano 7, Baclao 4, Menk 3, Dela Cruz 2, Thoss 0.
Globalport 84 — Romeo 24, Pringle 16, Washington 12, Yeo 8, Isip 6, Sumang 6, Kramer 4 Jensen 2, Maierhofer 2, Pena 2, Semerad 2, Hayes 0, Mamaril 0, uyloan 0.
Quarters: 32-20; 54-40; 82-62; 109-84.
Game Today
(Game 4, Semifinals
– Smart Araneta Coliseum):
7 p.m. – San Miguel
vs. Rain or Shine
