2-0 FOR ALASKA

source: PBA.PH

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 23:35
Alaska Milk established control against Barangay Ginebra in their semifinals showdown as the Aces kept their domination of the Kings whose woes were compounded by injuries to Eric Menk and Celino Cruz. Despite the absence of Menk and Cruz, the Kings actually had improvement in their game but the Aces were simply better in a 90-82 victory that gave them a commanding two-game-to-nil lead in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday. "It's hard to believe we could play two good games against Ginebra. By and large, Ginebra just couldn't do what they wanted to do because they're tired," said Alaska coach Tim Cone. "The bottom line, however, is that we've been here and they've been here. We're two-zero against Talk n Text in the last all-Filipino finals and we lost. Ginebra was down zero-two against Talk n Text in their recent quarters and they won. That's why I'm still expecting a long series," Cone added. "At least, we fought tonight. We lost it far better than we lost the last time. We fought despite a depleted lineup, and I think we'll have a better frame of mind in the next game," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. Willie Miller put in a game-high 18 points while Tony dela Cruz had a double-double game with 16 rebounds and 14 points as the Aces stepped up their charge fighting with a short nine-men rotation. Sonny Thoss, Joe Devance and Larry Fonacier also tallied huge numbers as the Aces came through with a follow-up on their 104-79 rout in Game One. "The guys were unselfish and they were really looking for each other. I guess that's they key. Defensively, the guys coming off the bench did a good job on the Caguioas, the Intals and the Tubids," said Cone. "Our guards picked it up defensively. I love Willie Miller's composure. He's not rushing it and really showed patience and good leadership," Cone also said. Uichico stressed they've found themselves in a deeper hole but not yet out. "The important for me is that we're no longer out-of-sync. Lumaban kami and I'm sure we'll fight even more with Celino Cruz likely to return in Game Three," said Uichico. Cruz was out in Game Two with a sprained ankle while Menk was sidelined by a groin injury. Menk is still a doubtful starter in Game Three. The Aces shot better and dominated the boards, enabling them to lead by as many as 13. The Kings kept on fighting back but the Aces played with great composure. Coming to within six, 80-86, entering the last two minutes, the Kings hastened their downfall on crucial errors by Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa. (SB) The scores: Alaska 90 - Miller 18, Thoss 17, Dela Cruz 14, De Vance 13, Fonacier 12, Tenorio 6, Borboran 4, Hugnatan 4, Cariaso 2. Ginebra 82 - Villanueva 17, Salvacion 14, Tubid 11, Caguioa 9, Wilson 8, White 7, Helterbrand 6, Mamaril 5, Baguio 3, Intal 2. Quarterscores: 28-19, 46-42, 68-55, 90-82