Alaska Aces Wins Over Talk ‘N Text on Game 7

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source: abs-cbnnews.com

The Alaska Aces won the remaining ticket to the PBA Fiesta Cup by beating the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 90-81, in Game 7 of their semifinals clash at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.





Despite the absence of big man Sonny Thoss, Alaska was able to bank on its defense and secure the winner-take-all.

“Hindi kami nag-give up eh, ayaw pa namin magbakasyon siguro,” said the game’s best player, Cyrus Baguio. “Gumanda ang depensa namin. ’Yun ang importante sa amin, na-stop namin ang drives nila.”

Baguio tallied 14 points, spiced with 4 assists and 4 steals, while Alaska import Diamon Simpson scored 21 and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Alaska was already enjoying a 9 point cushion in the final 2 minutes of the game, 83-74, when Ranidel de Ocampo scored a basket to push Talk ‘N Text within 7 points, 83-76.

This was followed up by Macmac Cardona’s triple, which further cut Alaska’s lead to 83-79 with just a minute remaining.

Aces mentor Tim Cone quickly sued for a time out and drew a play for a well-rested LA Tenorio, who drilled a shot near the corner and push Alaska's lead to 6, 85-79, with 45.5 ticks left.

Jimmy Alapag made a drive for the Tropang Texters just 38 seconds remaining but his attempt was cleanly swatted by Baguio.

Already in the penalty, Talk ‘N Text tried to buy some time by committing fouls. This, however, allowed the Aces a couple of trips to the charity lane that pushed their lead further, 89-81, with just 27 seconds left.

Cardona made a final effort to save the Texters but missed his shot. This led to a scramble and a foul on Tenorio, who sealed the deal at the free throw line and formalized the Aces trip to the PBA finals.

Burly import Shawn Daniels top scored for the Texters with 19 points and 19 rebounds.

The Aces won Game 1 but was beaten by the Tropang Texters in Game 2 to level the series, 1-all. Alaska rebounded in Game 3 but Talk ‘N Text won Games 4 and 5 to push the series to their favor, 3-2.

With their backs on the wall, the Aces beat the Texters in Game 6 to force a do-or-die game for the remaining Finals ticket.

Alaska will begin its championship series with San Miguel on Friday and is expected to lean on its taller players in the absence of the injured Thoss, who sat out Game 6 due to a sprained ankle.

“We're gonna need some size, we can't go out and play them (San Miguel) with a small team. They're really a tough team, we're gonna have to be creative, figure ways to go about it until we can get Sonny back,” said Cone.

Alaska 90 - Simpson 21, De Vance 16, Baguio 14,
Tenorio 10, Fonacier 10, Dela Cruz 10, Hugnatan 5, Borboran 4.

Talk N' Text 81 - Daniels 19, Cardona 16, De Ocampo
15, Reyes 9, Alapag 9, Castro 6, Williams 4, Carey 3, Dillinger 0,
Aban 0.

Quarters: 24-12, 47-36, 63-60, 90-81



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