LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Calvin Abueva scored 23 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the Alaska Aces in their elimination round finale over the NLEX Road Warriors, 104-98, on Friday, April 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Aces, who end the eliminations with a 7-4 record, also received 19 points and 8 rebounds from Sonny Thoss plus 14 points and 13 boards from the returning Rob Dozier.
Al Thornton scored 37 points to lead the Road Warriors, who dropped to 5-6.
With the win, Alaska assures itself of at least the number 3 seed in the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
If Tropang TNT beats San Miguel on Friday, Alaska and TNT will meet in a playoff to determine which team gets the number two seed, which comes with a twice-to-beat advantage against the number 7 seed.
A Beermen victory over TNT puts Alaska at number 3 and in a best-of-3 series against Tropang TNT, which would drop to number 6, in the quarters.
The Road Warriors will be the seventh seed in the playoffs and will have a twice-to-win disadvantage.
Scores:
Alaska (104): Abueva 23, Thoss 19, Jazul 18, Dozier 14, Manuel 12, Baguio 7, Banchero 3, Eximiniano 3, Hontiveros 3, Dela Rosa 2, Dela Cruz 0, Menk 0
NLEX (98): Thornton 37, Anthony 24, Taulava 11, Enciso 9, Villanueva 7, Lanete 6, Borboran 2, Reyes 2, Alas 0,Arboleda 0, Cardona 0, E. Villanueva 0, Khobuntin 0, Camson 0
Quarter scores: 34-14; 51-45; 76-74; 104-98 – Rappler.com