Saturday, June 28, 2008 Alaska Aces dump Coke Tigers, 77-73
MANILA - The Alaska Aces worked on a strong wind-up to beat the Coca-Cola Tigers, 77-73, yesterday to keep their hope of an outright semifinal entry alive in the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Sonny Thoss and Larry Fonacier combined for 22 points and 15 rebounds to make up for the absence of ace guard Willie Miller and moved the Aces to solo third with a 9-7 win-loss slate, just a win away from second placer Red Bull (10-6).
The 5-foot-11 Miller, the 2007 MVP, missed the important game due to chicken pox.
But despite the setback, their eighth in 17 games, the Tigers remain in contention for at least a playoff for the second automatic semis berth if they win against Sta. Lucia in their last assignment on July 2, provided both Alaska and Red Bull lose their respective final two games.
It was the second win for the Aces in the reinforced conference over the Tigers, whom they defeated, 99-91, last May 14.
Both team fought tooth and nail all throughout and the Tigers were on top for the last time, 54-53, still 1:37 remaining in the third period.
The Aces, who lead by nine points, 71-62, only 4:01 left in the match, were led by the 6-foot-8 import Randy Holcomb, who finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and two steals. Thoss added 12 points and 12 rebounds and Jeffrey Cariaso also chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Imports Jason Dixon and Donald Copeland topscored for the Tigers with 18 points apiece and Cesar Catli contributed 17 points and 3 rebounds. (FCC)
