#PBA2015 Philippine Cup Roundup: November 11, 2014

Alaska turned back a feisty Kia squad, while Talk N Text survived a stiff challenge from sister team Meralco yesterday in the 2014-2015 PBA Philippine Cup.

Calvin Abueva lived up to his moniker again, while Ryan Reyes caught fire
in PBA action last night.

Game Capsules (adapted from InterAKTV):

ALASKA ACES over KIA SORENTO, 85-75

Box Scores.

The Alaska Aces, led by another monster performance from Calvin Abueva, withstood a gutsy effort from expansion team Kia, 85-75, to win a fifth straight game in the PBA Philippine Cup. Abueva scored 23 points on 8/16 FG shooting and grabbed 20 big rebounds, 10 on the offensive end, as the Aces remained entrenched on top of the standings. Vic Manuel added 15 points, Dondon Hontiveros chipped in with 12, and Cyrus Baguio had 11 in the Alaska victory. The Aces found an extra gear in the third quarter that the Sorento just could not match, scoring 18 unanswered points to break a surprisingly competitive game wide open before holding off the league newcomers down the stretch. Abueva and Manuel each scored seven points in the crucial rally, while Hontiveros added a three-pointer and Baguio chipped in with a free throw. Coach Alex Compton’s reserves gave them a big lift here, outscoring their Kia counterparts, 46-21. Once again, Reil Cervantes paced the Sorento with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. He did, however, shoot just 7/20 from the floor. Joshua Webb backed him up with 13 markers, but he, too, missed more than he made.

Line of the Game: Calvin Abueva - 23 points, 20 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 8/16 FGs.

Calvin Abueva's 20-20 game was a monster of a line.

Reil Cervantes as a leading scorer? Not a promising thing.

Vic Manuel continues to be a solid contributor for the league-leading Aces.

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over MERALCO BOLTS, 80-72

Box Scores.

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters grinded out a tough victory over sister team Meralco, 80-72, to pick up a third straight victory in the PBA Philippine Cup. Jimmy Alapag and rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser hit two clutch free throws each and Harvey Carey had two big-time blocks in the final minute to help ensure the win. Ryan Reyes led the way with 17 points, 15 of them in the first half, while Ranidel De Ocampo scored 15 and Jayson Castro added 12. It was a big team effort, though, with four other players scoring seven points apiece. Carey had 7 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks in the game. Coach Jong Uichico’s wards didn’t do themselves any favors, though, as they turned the ball over 21 times. They made up for it, however, by outrebounding the Bolts, 58-51, and getting to the line 29 times. Meralco, meanwhile, was paced by 17 markers from Gary David, who sank 3 treys. No other Bolt scored more than 9 points.

Line of the Game: Harvey Carey - 7 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks.