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| Rome dela Rosa stepped up big as the Aces brought out the brooms in Game 3. |
Game recap (adapted from Interaksyon):
ALASKA ACES over PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS, 82-77
Box scores.
The Alaska Aces completed a three-game sweep of the defending PBA Govenors’ Cup champion Star Hotshots, 82-77, to reach the championship round on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska, the No. 1 seed in these playoffs, defeated Star for a third straight game to breeze into the finals, where they will await the winner of the San Miguel-Rain or Shine series.
Import Romeo Travis shrugged off some early struggles to finish with 19 points – 10 in the fourth quarter – alongside 10 rebounds.
Vic Manuel added 14 points, as well as a clutch basket in the final minute of the game, while Rome Dela Rosa and Cyrus Baguio each added 11.
Star’s defense held in the first half, especially on Alaska import Travis, who was only able to score four points on four attempts with the Hotshots’ double-teaming proving effective.
And with Star veterans James Yap and Marc Pingris leading the charge on the other end, the Hotshots were able to take a 46-37 lead at the halftime break.
Yap finished the half with 15 points, including three triples, while Pingris gave an all-around effort with eight points, five rebounds and three assists.
Alaska made short work of that lead, however. With Calvin Abueva making things happen with his energy and JVee Casio firing away from beyond the arc, the Aces mounted a 12-2 run in the first four minutes of the third period, taking a 49-48 lead.
The teams traded runs before Alex Mallari scored seven in a 9-0 Star run late that made it, 65-58, in the Hotshots’ favor. Cyrus Baguio, though, struck late in the period to trim the margin to five heading into the fourth quarter.
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That set up a wild finish that saw Yap and Marqus Blakely making big plays for the Hotshots and Travis doing the same for the Aces on the other end.
But it was Manuel making the biggest shot, sinking a jumper to make it 81-77 with 30 seconds remaining.
James Yap paced the losing side with 20 points, while Marqus Blakely dropped 15 markers but shot just 7/18 from the field.
Line of the Game: Romeo Travis (ALA) - 19pts, 10rebs, 7asts, 3blks, 2stls, 8/13 FGs.
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| James Yap dropped a good line for Star, but it wasn't enough for them to extend the series. |
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| Marqus Blakely struggled big time in Game 3 as Alaska rallied from another deficit. |
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| Romeo Travis dominated the Hotshots and hit huge shots in the endgame. |
Images from the PBA.
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