By Ivan Saldajeno
Alaska completed a comeback from a 19-point deficit to turn back Rain Or Shine, 93-88, in Game 5 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal clash at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Aces trailed, 18-37, early in the second quarter but built a 17-0 run to come to within two later in the period.
The Elasto Painters regained control in the closing moments of the second and stretched the lead to nine, 52-43, early in the third.
But another 17-4 run by Alaska put the team up, 60-56, and widened the gap to nine points, 76-67, at the end of the third.
The Aces held on to the lead in the fourth period as missed free throws and field goals doomed the Elasto Painters at the conclusion of the match.
Sonny Thoss finished with 13 points including clutch jumpers along with eight rebounds and two blocks for Alaska, which will enter Game 6 of the series on January 4 with a 3-2 lead.
Calvin Abueva added a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
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