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Meralco back in winning ways, deals Alaska first loss

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Meralco snapped Alaska's blazing start in the PBA Commissioner's Cup with a 99-91 win at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Saturday night.

The Bolts stifled the Aces defensively, limiting them to only 35 points in the first half and eventually building a 25-point lead, 91-66, with 6:01 left in the game.

Alaska still tried to mount a comeback, going on a 20-4 run that cut the lead down to 9, 95-86, with 1:19 left, but that was all the Aces could do in the end.

Baser Amer led Meralco with 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Alex Stepheson added 17 points, 26 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Cory Jefferson had 32 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and three blocks for Alaska, which suffered its first loss of the mid-season conference after a 4-0 start.

The said development leaves Star and San Miguel as the only undefeated teams in the tournament. Star will face Ginebra in the latest chapter of the "Manila Clasico" right on the league's 42nd anniversary on Sunday at the said venue.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno