MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – RJ Jazul put up 18 points including crucial buckets down the stretch as the Alaska Aces clinched a 97-94 semifinals Game 1 victory over the Meralco Bolts in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Monday, April 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jazul, who also had two assists and 3 steals, scored 7 straight points for the Aces as they claimed a 91-88 edge in the final 4 minutes coming off an 84-all deadlock.
A Calvin Abueva pull-up jumper stretched the lead to 95-91 with 2:29 to go before Cyrus Baguio sealed the victory with two free throws.
"I told our guys this is gonna be an incredibly tough series," said head coach Alex Compton.
Abueva finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists as he left the game with 5 seconds to go after slipping on a wet spot on the floor.
Abueva, who is in the running for his first ever Best Player award, walked out of the locker room normally and assured reporters he would practice on Tuesday and play in Game 2 of the best-of-5 series on Wednesday, April 27.
"Na-i-stretch lang (It just stretched)," he said.
Cyrus Baguio and Chris Banchero had 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Import Rob Dozier picked up two early fouls inside the first 3 minutes and he struggled offensively, attempting just 7 field goals to finish with 7 points to go with 8 rebounds.
Reynel Hugnatan poured 21 markers for the Bolts and pulled down 6 boards on top of dishing 4 assists. Cliff Hodge and Jared Dillinger had 14 and 12 points, respectively, while Anjo Caram added 11 markers.
Arinze Onuaku had a similar quiet night with just 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting but he did track down 18 rebounds.
Meralco shot 56% from the field but tallied 22 turnovers leading to 28 Alaska points.
Scores:
Alaska (97): Jazul 18, Abueva 15, Baguio 13, Banchero 10, Exciminiano 9, Dozier 7, Menk 7, Baclao 6, Hontiveros 6, Thoss 4, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 0.
Meralco (94): Hugnatan 21, Hodge 14, Dillinger 12, Caram 11, Onuaku 11, Faundo 8, Newsome 7, Bono 6, Alapag 2, Amer 2, Buenafe 0.
Quarter scores: 26-23, 43-48, 71-79, 97-94.
– Rappler.com