MANILA — The Alaska Aces clawed their way back from an 18-point deficit to beat the defending champions Star Hotshots, 97-91, Wednesday night in Game 1 of their best-of-5 PBA Governors' Cup semifinal series. The loss ended the Hotshots' five-game winning streak dating back to the eliminations. In another shining display of their resiliency and steely composure down the wire, the Aces outscored the Hotshots 34-19 in the third period to erase a 23-41 second quarter and 36-51 halftime deficits. With 33.7 seconds left in the third quarter, Vic Manuel scored on a three-point play to give Alaska the lead for the first time, 68-67. The Hotshots knotted the score at 70-all at the end of the quarter. But it was all Alaska in the payoff period. JVee Casio scored on a fast break play to give the Aces a 92-84 lead with 2:22 left. The Hotshots came charging back to cut the Aces' lead to 95-91 on a three-pointer from James Yap. But that was the closest Star could come as Alaska scored again to set the final score. Alaska import Romeo Travis led all scorers with 28 points on 10-for-13 shooting, scoring 11 of his points in the Aces' scorching third quarter blitz. The Alaska reinforcement also finished with 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Casio added 18 points, while rookie Chris Banchero chipped in with 10 points off the bench along with five rebounds and three assists. No other Aces player scored in double digits as the team used a balanced offense to score 61 points in the second half. Import Marqus Blakely paced Star with 23 points, 9 rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks. PJ Simon scored 16 points, including three triples, while Mark Barroca had a double-double 15 points, 10 rebounds plus three assists. Yap added 13 points, 10 of them in the first half. Game 2 of the series will be Friday, July 3. Meanwhile, Ginebra coach Frankie Lim was slapped with a 50,000-peso fine and one-game suspension for hitting Alaska forward Calvin Abueva while the latter was sprawled on the floor after being pushed by Ginebra guard LA Tenorio during their PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinal match last Friday. After standing up, Abueva had a heated exchange of words with Lim. Alaska went on to win the game, 114-108, eliminating Ginebra. Lim will serve his suspension in the first game of the Philippine Cup next season. Game Friday: San Miguel Beermen vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (Game 1 of best-of-5 semifinals).
