JAY R. GOTERA
Saudi Gazette
MANILA — The Alaska Aces displayed tremendous firepower and exceptional teamwork as they crushed the defending champion Tropang TNT Texters, 99-81, Friday night to advance to the semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Aces will go up against the Meralco Bolts in a best-of-semifinal series that begins Monday night.
Import Rob Dozier led Alaska with 20 points on 8-for-13 (61-percent) shooting while Calvin Abueva had another big game with 18 points.
Veteran Eric Menk played his first game in the playoffs and made a splash, finishing with 10 points. Five other Aces — Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, Tony dela Cruz, Dondon Hontiveros and Ping Exciminiano — added eight points apiece in a balanced display of firepower. Their heads up plays made up for the absence of Vic Manuel, who was out with an injury.
After a tightly fought first quarter, the Aces began stepping on the gas in the second quarter, outscoring the Texters, 32-16.
At halftime, the Aces found themselves sitting on a 15-point cushion, 53-37.
There was no stopping the Aces as they padded their lead to 20 points, 57-37, at the end of the third quarter.
The Texters could not find any opening to spark a rally as they got buried deeper in the fourth period as the Aces led by as much as 25 points before cruising to victory.
Import David Simon led TNT with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Larry Fonacier and Troy Rosario added 19 and 13 points, respectively. Fonacier was deadly from beyond the arc as he hit five three-pointers, in a losing cause.
Game Sunday: San Miguel Beermen vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (Game 1, best-of-5 semifinals).
