The Alaska Aces put an early dent to the Purefoods Star Hotshots' PBA Philippine Cup title defense bid with a 93-73 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
After trailing for most of the first quarter, Alaska took control in the final three frames to stagger Purefoods' "return".
A knee injury suffered by Ian Sangalang in the third period added to the woes of the Hotshots, then known as the San Mig Coffee Mixers.
Calvin Abueva led the Aces with 21 points.
James Yap had a game-high 26 markers for the Hotshots, who earlier received special championship rings for completing the league's fifth grand slam.
Box Scores:
Alaska 93–Abueva 21, Manuel 11, Jazul 11, Thoss 9, Hontiveros 9, Casio 9, Baguio 6, Bugia 6, Banchero 5, Eman 2, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 0
Purefoods 73–Yap 16, Taha 10, Simon 10, Barroca 6, Devance 6, Maliksi 5, Matias 5, Melton 4, Mallari 4, Reavis 3, Holstein 3, Sangalang 1, Gaco 0
Quarterscores: 16-16, 43-29, 68-51, 93-73
James Yap had a game-high 26 markers for the Hotshots, who earlier received special championship rings for completing the league's fifth grand slam.
Box Scores:
Alaska 93–Abueva 21, Manuel 11, Jazul 11, Thoss 9, Hontiveros 9, Casio 9, Baguio 6, Bugia 6, Banchero 5, Eman 2, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 0
Purefoods 73–Yap 16, Taha 10, Simon 10, Barroca 6, Devance 6, Maliksi 5, Matias 5, Melton 4, Mallari 4, Reavis 3, Holstein 3, Sangalang 1, Gaco 0
Quarterscores: 16-16, 43-29, 68-51, 93-73
.jpg)
