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| PBA |
By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Alaska moved to within a win from the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals after bludgeoning Meralco, 92-72, in Game 3 of the best-of-five semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.
Bucking a slow start, the Aces pulled away for good from the Bolts in the second half while putting on a solid defensive effort that limited their opponents to only 35 percent shooting while forcing 21 turnovers for a 2-1 lead in the semis affair.
Rob Dozier had 25 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks, while Calvin Abueva added 23 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block off the bench for Alaska, which can close out the series on Monday night.
Arinze Onuaku had a quiet 16 markers with 12 boards, three assists, and four blocks for Meralco.
Chris Newsome, who is closely behind Troy Rosario in the Rookie of the Year race statistical points-wise, was blanked the entire game and committed seven turnovers, although he had seven caroms, three dimes, and one swipe.
Box Scores:
Alaska 92-Dozier 25, Abueva 23, Banchero 16, Menk 6, Baclao 4, Baguio 4, Exciminiano 4, Jazul 4, Hontiveros 2, Thoss 2, Dela Rosa 1, Racal 1, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0
Meralco72-Onuaku 16, Alapag 12, Hodge 12, Hugnatan 12, Dillinger 9, Buenafe 5, Caram 4, Faundo 2, Amer 0, Bono 0, Buenafe 0, Ferriols 0, Guevarra 0, Newsome 0
Quarterscores: 15-20, 38-38, 66-54, 92-72
Meralco72-Onuaku 16, Alapag 12, Hodge 12, Hugnatan 12, Dillinger 9, Buenafe 5, Caram 4, Faundo 2, Amer 0, Bono 0, Buenafe 0, Ferriols 0, Guevarra 0, Newsome 0
Quarterscores: 15-20, 38-38, 66-54, 92-72
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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