MANILA — Calvin Abueva shifted to "beast mode" once again, leading the Alaska Aces to a come-from-behind victory over the Star Hotshots, 100-92, Saturday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City. Abueva banged in 21 points, 12 of them in the decisive fourth quarter when the Aces whipped up a storm to overwhelm the Hotshots. Chris Banchero added 15 markers, Sonny Thoss had 13 points, Cyrus Baguio 11 and import Shane Edwards chipped in with 10. It was Alaska's sixth win in nine games, keeping within striking distance of the top teams in the standings—Meralco (6-2) and San Miguel (5-2). The victory was crucial for Alaska's hopes for a top 2 finish since a lost would have dropped the Aces to a five-way tie with the playoff race entering its final stretch. Import Ricardo Ratliffe paced Star with 34 points and 20 rebounds but he failed to get enough local support to prevent the Hotshots from absorbing their sixth loss in 10 games. With Star up by four points, 72-68, early in the fourth, Abueva fired a three-pointer to spark a 9-0 Alaska run capped by an elegant alley-oop by Cyrus Baguio, giving the Aces a 77-72 lead with 8:19 remaining. Ratliffe took charge for Star, scoring nine points as the Hotshots cut the Aces lead to one, 82-81. Abueva answered with two key baskets, including a tip-in of his own missed attempt, to give Alaska some breathing room again. He then made a three-point play with 3:32 left to give his team a six-point lead, 91-85. After an exchange of baskets, Abueva once again scored, banking a shot off the glass to give the Aces an eight-point edge, 95-87, with 2:20 remaining. The Hotshots managed to cut Alaska's lead to four, 96-92, but two free throws and then a floater from Banchero sealed the win for the Aces. Games Sunday: Mahindra Enforcers (4-4) vs. Meralco Bolts (6-2) and San Miguel Beermen (5-2) vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings (5-4).
