After a tough loss, Alaska promptly bounced back in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup by surviving a resilient San Miguel side, 96-94, at the Astrodome late Wednesday night. Three Aces finished with 20 points or more, led by import L.D. Williams (24), Joe De Vance (22) and L.A. Tenorio (20) in a show of balanced scoring by a team coming off an 89-91 overtime setback against Pilipinas-Smart Gilas the last time.
Yet, Alaska still needed a missed three-point shot by new San Miguel import David Young at the final buzzer to escape with its third win in four outings.
“Against San Miguel, the pressure is really above you," admitted Tenorio, who added six rebounds and eight assists and was 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Tenorio’s red-hot shooting from three-point range actually allowed the Aces to lead by as much as 54-38 early in the third period.
But Young, playing in his first outing on Philippine soil after replacing Ira Brown, began to settle down and waxed hot for the Beermen, who cut the deficit to a manageable 69-74 margin entering the final 12 minutes of play.
The last of Tenorio’s total output gave Alaska a 96-90 lead in the final two minutes, before San Miguel made one last push in a bid to turn the game around.
Arwind Santos scored on a putback, and then Jay Washington made the last of his 24 points by converting on two free throws with 35 seconds left to make it a two-point Alaska game.
The Aces refused to call a timeout for their final offensive play, and paid dearly for it as Cyrus Baguio’s stretch lay-up failed to beat the 24-second shot clock, turning the ball over to San Miguel for a possible game-tying or game-winning basket.
Alex Cabagnot gave the ball to Young, who appeared to have a good look at the basket after Alaska defender Williams slipped on the floor.
Young’s long attempt, however, bounced strong off the rim, and Tenorio grabbed the defensive rebound to seal the Beermen’s second loss against a single win.
“We didn’t call a timeout because coach Tim (Cone) wants us to play through it," said Tenorio of the last offensive ploy by the Aces.
Young paced San Miguel with 35 points, including eight in the fourth period. Rookie Rabeh Al-Hussaini also finished in double figures with 17, while Arwind Santos had 12. - KY, RCJ, GMA News
Scores:
Alaska 96 - Williams 24, De Vance 22, Tenorio 20, Thoss 9, Baguio 9, Custodio 6, Dela Cruz 4, Borboran 2, Eman 0, Cablay 0.
San Miguel 94 - Young 35, Washington 24, Al-Hussaini 17, Santos 12, Baclao 4, Ildefonso 2, Guevarra 0, Yeo 0, Hubalde 0, Miranda 0, Cabagnot 0, Salvacion 0, Tugade 0.
Quarter scores: 25-23, 44-36, 74-69, 96-94.
