Saudi Gazette MANILA — The Alaska Aces moved to within a win of securing a finals berth, steamrolling the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 109-84, in Game 4 of their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Sunday night. Alaska thus erected a commanding 3-1 lead in the series heading into Tuesday's Game 5. The gritty Aces played near flawless basketball on both ends of the court, rocketing to an early lead and never once giving the Batang Pier any opening to make a serious run. Calvin Abueva was the most dominant force for Alaska, scoring a team-high 20 points on an impressive 9-of-14 shooting from the field, on top of 13 rebounds, and three assists in just 21 minutes of play off the bench. Dondon Hontiveros and RJ Jazul ably backed Abueva with their impeccable shooting from the outside, scoring 16 and 14 points, respectively. The two combined for seven of the Aces' 12 three-pointers. Chris Banchero added 10 points and five boards while Rome dela Rosa had 9. Cyrus Baguio and Jvee Casio chipped in 8 markers apiece. The Aces began the game with a 7-0 run and led, 32-20, at the end of the first quarter. Alaska increased its lead to 16 points following an 8-0 blast late in the second quarter as the Aces entered the third quarter with a 54-40 lead. After keeping Baguio glued on the bench for the entire first half, Alaska coach Alex Compton finally unleashed of his most reliable gunners. Baguio immediately responded by scoring all of his eight points in the period on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting, including two three –pointers in less than 8 minutes of play. The Aces ended the third quarter with a 10-1 run to erect a 20-point lead, 82-62, entering the final period. With the Batang Pier fading away, the Aces continued piling up the points, erecting a 25-point lead before coasting to victory. Terrence Romeo led GlobalPort with 24 points out of 21 attempts at the basket in 35 minutes on the floor. Stanley Pringle added 16 points on 18 attempts in 37 minutes of action. Jay Washington chimed in 12 points and three rebounds in 30 minutes of play. Game Monday: San Miguel Beermen vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (Game 4 of best-of-7 semifinals; Rain or Shine leads 2-1).
