Game recap (adapted from Interkasyon):
PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS over ALASKA ACES, 96-89
Box scores.
The Purefoods Star Hotshots looked like they would blow Alaska out for a second straight game, but they needed to survive a wild finish, 96-89, to ensure their entry into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
Denzel Bowles had 32 points and 10 rebounds to lead Purefoods, which also got big contributions from the locals.
Joe Devance scored 16, Mark Barroca added 14 off the bench, and James Yap finished with 11 in the victory.
Purefoods led by as many as 20 points, 75-55, in the fourth quarter, but the no-quit Alaska side managed to find a way to come back to as close as four points, 88-84, with a little over two minutes remaining in the game.
Mark Barroca found Marc Pingris for a crucial basket that made it a six-point game, 90-84, and Alex Mallari hit some clutch free throws to all but seal the win for the Hotshots.
Third-seed Purefoods advanced to a best-of-five series against No. 2 Talk ‘N Text for a chance to make it into the championship round.
Alaska goes back to the drawing board and starts preparations for next conference. The Aces were paced by RJ Jazul, who exploded for 22 points in just 19 minutes off the pine. Damion James ended his PBA stint with 21 points, 11 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
Line of the Game: Denzel Bowles (PUR) - 32pts, 11rebs, 4asts, 1stl, 4blks.
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| Calvin Abueva struggled in Game 2 against the Hotshots. |
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| Joe Devance was another big spark for Purefoods in Game 2. |
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| Marc Pingris and the rest of the Hotshots stifled the Aces' efforts to force a Game 3. |
MERALCO BOLTS over NLEX ROAD WARRIORS, 91-85 (OT)
Box scores.
Gary David scored 31 points, 18 of them in the fourth quarter and overtime, as he helped spark a Meralco comeback from 20 points down to beat NLEX, 91-85, in overtime and complete the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal cast.
Import Josh Davis had 25 points – 21 of those in the second half – and 22 rebounds in another impressive showing, while veteran Reynel Hugnatan added 17 markers.
The Bolts, who trailed, 66-46, in the third quarter, outscored the Road Warriors, 29-16, in the fourth quarter to force an extra period and, 9-3, in the overtime to sweep their quarterfinal matchup and join early qualifiers Talk ‘N Text, Rain or Shine, and Purefoods in the final four.
Meralco will play No. 1 seed Rain or Shine in a best-of-five semifinal series.
David caught fire in the fourth quarter, running all over the halfcourt and knocking down shot after shot, while the Meralco defense held sturdy as the Bolts stormed back into the game.
David, who was held scoreless in the third, finished with 14 fourth quarter points.
In the overtime, he scored twice in transition, while Hugnatan and Cliff Hodge made key baskets as well.
Al Thornton led NLEX’s losing cause with 32 points and 11 boards. Guards Pamboy Raymundo and Jonas Villanueva each dropped a dozen points to backstop the former NBA player.
Line of the Game: Josh Davis (MER) - 25pts, 22rebs, 2blks, 1ast, stl, 50.0 FG%.
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| Al Thornton and the rest of NLEX were eliminated after losing in Game 2. |
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| Gary David caught fire in the fourth quarter to lead Meralco's comeback effort. |
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| Josh Davis had another monster game for the Bolts. They now advance to the semifinals agianst ROS. |
Images by Nuki Sabio/PBA.
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