Alaska, TNT renew war in Game 5

Alaska and Talk N’ Text will try to get the headstart in tonight’s Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinals series in the PBA Philippine Cup at the SM MOA Arena.
The Aces, drawing huge contributions from seven players, turned back Talk ‘N Text, 104-99, in Game 4, and even up their on Friday night also at the MOA Arena.
JVee Casio finished with 22 points on a steady 6-for-8 shooting clip from the field and held his own anew against probably the best backcourt duo in the league in helping the Aces recover from a sound beating in Game 3.
Casio wasn’t the only one who played with a sense of urgency for the Aces.
Cyrus Baguio contributed 18 markers, including a key three-pointer in the fourth that helped stave off a late Talk ‘N Text rally. His triple at the 1:15 mark of the fourth stretched Alaska’s lead to five, 99-94.
Calvin Abueva had another double-double performance, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Dondon Hontiveros provided the spark off the bench, tallying 13 points.
“It’s just one of those games – a grind-out type of win. We know Talk ‘N Text is an explosive team, but we limited them to 18 third quarter points. We know nothing is going to be easy against this team,” said Trillo.
The Aces won despite being beaten on the battle of the boards. The Tropang Texters grabbed 13 more rebounds than their counterparts, a thing that concerns Trillo moving forward.
“Our concern is rebounding. We’ll have a handful the next couple of games,” added Trillo.
Mac Baracael scored 12 while Gabby Espinas and Sonny Thoss each had nine markers in a well-distributed effort for the Aces.
The scores:
Alaska 104 – Casio 22, Baguio 18, Abueva 15, Hontiveros 13, Baracael 12, Espinas 9, Thoss 9, Reyes 2, Jazul 2, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 0.
Talk ‘N Text 99 – Alapag 17, Castro 16, De Ocampo 14, Fonacier 12, Carey 12, Williams 11, Reyes 9, Peek 5, Dillinger 2, Aban 1, Raymundo 0, Gamalinda 0, Alvarez 0, Ferriols 0.
Quarters: 30-25; 55-56; 81-74; 104-99.