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| Nuki Sabio/PBA |
By Dugout Philippines
It may be Marqus Blakely's final game for the PBA Commissioner's Cup, but he gave one final bow with a bang.
Blakely scored 17 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals as Purefoods goes to 2-0 with a 108-88 win against Alaska at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Blakely, who will likely stay in the Philippines as he awaits for the Governors' Cup, will give way to Daniel Orton, who arrived in the country just in time for the Hotshots-Aces match.
The Hotshots jumped to a 14-2 start and stretched the lead to as much as 24 before halftime.
The Aces could only come to as close as 15 as the Hotshots immediately defused their mini-run and never looked back.
James Yap and Alex Mallari also had 17 points each for Purefoods to join Meralco, Talk n Text, and surprise leader Barako Bull at the top of the standings.
D.J. Covington only made 19 points and five rebounds for Alaska, which is fresh from a heartbreaking Game 7 defeat in the Philippine Cup Finals. The Aces also had to endure the injuries to Sonny Thoss and Jvee Casio.
Box Scores:
Purefoods 108-Mallari 17, Blakely 17, Yap 17, Pingris 12, Maliksi 11, Melton 9, Reavis 8, Barroca 7, Devance 4, Alvarez 3, Pennisi 3, Simon 0, Gaco 0, Allado 0
Alaska 88-Covington 19, Banchero 16, Abueva 12, Manuel 8, Baguio 7, Menk 7, Jazul 5, Espinas 4, Vanlandingham 3, Hontiveros 3, Dela Rosa 2, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 0, Exciminiano 0
Quarterscores: 27-14, 57-35, 86-63, 108-88
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