Aces enter semis, knock out Bolts

By Ivan Saldajeno


Alaska made easy work of Meralco with an 87-69 in their PBA Philippine Cup knockout quarterfinal match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Aces immediately opened a 22-point cushion, 47-25, at halftime.

The Bolts tried to crawl back, drawing to within 13, 58-71, early in the fourth quarter.

But the Aces stretched the lead to 23, 85-62, and never looked back.

Vic Manuel led Alaska, which will face Rain Or Shine in the semifinals, with 17 points.

John Wilson, on the other hand, had 16 points for Meralco.

Box Scores:

Alaska 87-Manuel 17, Baguio 15, Hontiveros 13, Casio 11, Banchero 8, Abueva 5, Jazul 5, Exciminiano 4, Dela Cruz 4, Menk 3, Dela Rosa 2, Eman 0, Thoss 0

Meralco 69-Wilson 16, Anthony 11, Cortez 11, David 8, Caram 7, Hodge 5, Macapagal 4, Buenafe 3, Dillinger 2, Hugnatan 2, Ildefonso 0, Ferriols 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0

Quarterscores: 27-12, 47-25, 64-50, 87-69