Source: abs-cbnnews.com

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Alaska kept its composure in check to weather the rally of Barangay Ginebra for a 105-96 win to claim solo lead of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Reynel Hugnatan played a solid all-around game for the Aces and led the strong contribution from the second unit to help the team extend its winning streak to four games in as many games.

The veteran forward had a team-high 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench.

“Our second group played an outstanding game today,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone, who also got 16 and 15 points from Tony dela Cruz and LA Tenorio respectively.

“Reynel, John (Ferriols), Mark (Borboran) and Jeff (Cariaso) played well today while Tony (dela Cruz) was also great tonight. His contributions hardly reflect on the stats but he plays hard all the time,” Cone added.

Willie Miller, who is averaging 17.7 points per game, was limited to just 11 but seven came in a crucial run late in the game that thwarted the last stand of the Kings, who absorbed their first loss after a 3-0 start.

Alaska had a great first half after shooting almost 48 percent from the field (22-of-46) that helped them take a 60-42 cushion at halftime.

Ginebra came out smoking after the break however and easily got back in the game as Jayjay Helterbrand and Ronald Tubid led the furious run in the third period where the Kings outscored the Aces, 38-22, to slice to lead to 80-82, going to the fourth.

Hugnata and Ferriols joined forces in the critical 7-2 run to give the Aces some separation at 89-82 with 9:55 left in the game.

But Ginebra kept on coming back with Helterbrand again leading the surge to threaten at 90-92. JC Intal’s one-hand jumper put the Kings within four, 93-97, before Miller took charge to silence the pro-Ginebra crowd.

Helterbrand led Ginebra with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists while Tubid added 22 markers. Intal and Enrico Villanueva chipped in 13 and 11 points respectively for coach Jong Uichico.

The Kings played minus Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk for the second straight game due to injuries.

“We knew at halftime that Ginebra would make a run and it’s not gonna be easy and they did. What’s important for the team is how they responded,” said Cone who also drew 10 points from Joe Devance.

“But we played with calm and when they caught us up, we did not panic. I’m proud of these guys because they responded when Ginebra made that run,” he added.

Texters bury Realtors

Talk ‘N Text meanwhile claimed solo second spot after beating Sta. Lucia Realty, 100-83, for its third straight win.

Mark Cardona led all scorers with 25 points, 19 came in the second half where the Tropang Texters pulled away after a tight first half.

“Coming into this game, our main concern is the injury of Jared Dillinger and how to fill up his spot. But my players came out with a strong defensive effort in the second half,” said Talk ‘N Text head coach Chot Reyes.

Jason Castro added 16 points while Jimmy Alapag and Nic Belasco each had 12 markers for the Tropang Texters, who play San Miguel Beer next.

Joseph Yeo and Nelbert Omolon each had 17 points for Sta. Lucia, which absorbed its first defeat after back-to-back wins.

Gabby Espinas finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Realtors. Kelly Williams was held down o just 9 markers but grabbed a game-high 16 boards.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

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