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Source: abs-cbnnews.com

-- Coca-Cola snapped Alaska’s 5-game winning streak with a masterful 105-92 victory Sunday night in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Mark Macapagal led the Tigers’ balanced scoring with 19 points while Asi Taulava added 18 markers and 12 rebounds to go along with his 6 assists in a rare all-around performance from the one-time MVP in the league.

“We’re now at this level where we can’t be sophisticated with our plan. We’re in a level where we can be together and fighting for a win,” said Coke head coach Bo Perasol, who nailed his second win as interim coach.

“We got little help also from Alaska. They came from 2 very good games and when Alaska plays its best, I don’t think we’ll have a chance. Alaska let us to grab the win and I told the players to grab it,” he added.

Veteran center Dennis Espino also added 18 points and 8 rebounds while Marvin Cruz and Larry Rodriguez contributed 11 and 10 markers respectively for Coke, which improved to 3-11, a game ahead over cellar-dweller Barako Bull (2-11).

Behind the 17-point output from Macapagal, Coke erected a 55-34 halftime lead and seized the momentum of the game.

The Tigers were never seriously threatened since then as they led by as much as 30 points twice in the game, the last time, 90-60, with Norman Gonzales’s undergoal basket on a nice pass from Taulava.

Larry Fonacier hit a 3-pointer that sparked a mini 7-0 run for the Aces, 67-90, but Taulava hit a pair of free throws and Rodriguez tipped in a missed drive by Alex Cabagnot to push the lead back to 94-67 with 6:20 remaining.

“The determination coming from them does not mean we want to beat Alaska because they are the No. 1 team,” said Perasol.

“It’s a good thing that Asi tried to be aggressive and his determination brushed off to his teammates,” he added.

Willie Miller led Alaska with 17 points while Joe Devance and Mark Borboran contributed 16 and 15 markers respectively. The Aces remain on top of the standing with 11-2.

Beermen right on track

Jonas Villanueva made crucial plays down the stretch to lift San Miguel Beer to a 91-86 overtime win over Barangay Ginebra to stay closer with Alaska (11-2) with a 12-3 mark in what could be a tight race for the Cup’s top spot.

Villanueva sent the game in extra inning with a twisting lay-up over two defenders, 81-all. He was also involved in the Beermen’s next 3 plays in overtime for an 88-83 spread with 1:33 remaining.

Ronald Tubid banged in a triple to cut the lead to 86-89 but Dorian Pena and Arwind Santos hit a combined 3 free throws in the ensuing plays to seal the win for San Miguel, its third straight.

“It’s a nice feeling to end the year with a win,” said Beermen head coach Siot Tanquingcen, who drew 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists from Villanueva, the Finals MVP in the Fiesta Conference.

Tubid led all scorers with 21 points while Willy Wilson and JC Intal had 13 and 11 markers respectively for the Kings, who absorbed their second straight loss to tie Purefoods Tender Juicy for fourth spot with an 8-6 mark.