Monday, January 28, 2008 Aces gain speed, beat Sta. Lucia
MANILA—What was expected to be a close battle turned out to be a rout for both the Alaska Aces and the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants as they showed their might yesterday to take a 1-0 lead over separate rivals in the best-of-seven semifinal series of the 33rd Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrdome.
The Aces overcame a slow start and threw a fiery running game in the final half en route to beating Sta. Lucia Realty, 107-94, while the Giants demolished the Red Bull Barakos, 103-84, in the second game for a similar 1-0 upperhand in the series.
Kerby Raymundo fired 24 points on top of 5 rebounds and 9 assists, while Chico Lanete added 18 points to lead the Giants, who are aiming for their fifth All-Filipino crown.
Alaska, the third winningest team in the league with 12 championship crowns, were visibly tired from a 2-0 conquest in the quarterfinals, but gained enough strength from Mike Cortez, Wellie Miller and Jeffrey Cariaso to pull the win.
Aside from leading the series, it may be an added advantage for both coach Tim Cone of Alaska and coach Ryan Gregorio of Purefoods as history showed that 41 out of 63 teams, which gained a 1-0 lead in a best-of-seven went on to win the championship title for a high winning percentage of 65 percent.
“We played slow at the start but we gained enough energy later on. Maybe that’s physical fatigue. After the quarterfinals, we have little time to prepare for this match,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone, whose Aces are seeking their second straight crown after winning the Fiesta Conference last year.
Cortez, Miller and Cariaso combined for 39 points in Alaska’s big final half surge that saw them leading by as much as 18 points, 87-69, still 9:48 remaining in the match.
From there, all the Realtors could do was reduced the gap to its lowest of 10 points, 95-85, still 3:34 left in the match.
“Coach Boyet Fernandez wanted to put pressure on my players early in the final half but we have already fully recovered at that time,” added Cone, who has been in the Final-Four for the third time in the last four conferences.
Cortez topscored for the Aces with 23 points, made 6 rebounds and four assists, while Miller added 19 and had 5 rebounds and 10 big assists and Cariaso settled with 18 points.
Nelbert Omolon led the Realtors with 26 points followed by Kelly Williams with 21 and 16 points for Dennis Espino.
Both the Realtors and the Aces displayed almost equal strength and determination as they tallied 8 lead changes and two deadlocks in the first two quarters of the game.
The Realtors took advantage of a two-week rest, as they started strong by taking a 10-poin lead, 25-15, in the first period behind Dennis Espino. Marlou Aquino and Nelbert Nomolon’s combined 17 points.
But the Aces, who has been in at least 21 conference finals since joining the league in 1987, outscored the Realtors, 21-12, to tie the game for the second time, 39-39, still 1:56 left in the second period. 2007 MVP Wellie Miller and Kelly Williams then went on to exchange baskets to close the first half 46-45.
Alaska (107)—Cortes 23, Miller 19, Cariaso 18, Hugnatan 14, Dela Cruz 14, Thoss 8, Ferriols 7, Quinahan 2, Junio 2, Aban 0, Laure 0. Sta. Lucia (94)—Omolon 26, Williams 21, Espino 16, Aquino 8, Mendoza 7, Yeo 6, Reyes 5, Miranda 4, Gonzales 1, Daa 0. (FCC)
