A TOP two finish after the elimination round may be looming for the Alaska Aces after they outlasted the Star Hotshots 100-92 in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup road game at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym in Davao City on Saturday evening.
The Alex Compton-coached Aces had to withstand a monstrous game from Hotshots import Ricardo Ratliffe as he sparked the Hotshots in the absence of James Yap who suffered a calf strain injury and will reportedly be sidelined for the next three weeks.
Both teams were nodded up at 38-all at the first half while the Hotshots had a narrow 70-68 lead heading to the fourth canto.
But a surge late in the fourth was enough for the Aces to pull away sparked by back-to-back treys from RJ Jazul and gritty plays from Calvin Abueva who led a 14-6 run.
Allein Maliksi, however, connected on a three-point shot to bring the Hotshots to within four, 96-92 with over a minute left in the game.
Yet a series of converted free throws off intentional fouls iced the game for the Aces.
Abueva led the way for the Aces with 21 points while Chris Banchero and Sonny Thoss chipped in 15 and 13, respectively.
Ratliffe had the game-high 34 for the Hotshots while Maliksi added 15.
Aces improved to a win-loss record of 5-3. With the win, they have opened up a big chance for a top two finish as they trail behind the San Miguel Beermen who holds a 5-2 record.
Meralco Bolts is sitting atop the standings with 6-2. The Aces will have to be perfect down the stretch of the elimination round as they are set to face the league-leading Meralco Bolts on April 8 before ending their elimination round games with a clash against the NLEX Road Warriors on April 15.
The top two teams after the elimination games will earn atwice-to-beat advantage coming in the quarters.
With only one game left, Star Hotshots’ bid for a slot in the quarterfinals may be difficult as they sit on the ninth place in the standings with a record of 4-5. They are trailing behind Mahindra Enforcer who holds a 4-4 record.
The Hotshots will just have to make the best out of their possible final game in the conference against Mahindra on April 13.