By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Even if they missed out on a twice-to-beat advantage on the last moments of the elimination round, the Purefoods Star Hotshots still proved they can dominate.
The Hotshots rolled from start to finish to fend off the Alaska Aces, 120-86, in Game 1 of their PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.
The third-ranked Hotshots smothered the sixth-seeded Aces, who only got the playoff entry two nights ago, in the first quarter, limiting them to only seven points in the first 12 minutes and never let go of the huge lead to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
Denzel Bowles led Purefoods, which has now won five straight dating back to the eliminations, with 20 points, while James Yap added 18 on 7-of-10 shooting.
Damion James scored a game-high 21 for Alaska.
Box Scores:
Purefoods 120-Bowles 20, Yap 18, Barroca 14, Simon 13, Pingris 11, Devance 10, Pennisi 8, Maliksi 6, Melton 5, Reavis 5, Mallari 4, Gaco 4, Allado 2, Alvarez 0
Alaska 86-James 21, Jazul 12, Manuel 10, Banchero 9, Eman 8, Dela Rosa 6, Casio 6, Abueva 4, Baclao 4, Baguio 2, Exciminiano 2, Dela Cruz 2, Thoss 0, Hontiveros 0
Quarterscores: 31-7, 54-29, 88-59, 120-86
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