Meralco stalls Alaska's finals bid with Game 4 rout

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Meralco prevented Alaska from setting up a PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals date with Rain Or Shine after an 86-70 semifinals Game 4 blowout at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday night.

Three nights after getting routed in Game 3 to let their opponents take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, the Bolts got back at the Aces by limiting them to just 33 percent shooting en route to their lowest output in the last four conferences.

Jared Dillinger led Meralco with 17 points, five rebounds, and one assist, while Arinze Onuaku added 16 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks.

Rob Dozier had 18 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks for Alaska.

The Bolts' win assured that their race-to-three clash with the Aces will go the full length. Game 5 is scheduled on Wednesday night at the said venue with the winner taking on the Elasto Painters in the best-of-seven finals, which will now begin on Friday.

Box Scores:

Meralco 86-Dillinger 17, Onuaku 16,Hodge 14, Faundo 12, Caram 8, Newsome 7, Alapag 6, Hugnatan 6. Bono 0, Ry. Buenafe 0, Amer 0

Alaska 70-Dozier 18, Abueva 10, Jazul 10, Hontiveros 8, Baclao 6, Thoss 6, Banchero 5, Exciminiano 3, Baguio 2, Dela Rosa 2, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0

Quarterscores: 19-16, 36-34, 62-52, 86-70

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