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PBA: Alaska Aces Stop Beermen Streak at 7

After a tough battle against the San Miguel Beermen, the Alaska Aces came out on top with a six-point win,103-97.

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Photo credits to: Peter Baltazar

The Beermen headed strong in the opening quarter, taking control of the game with a three-point lead at the end of the first, 16-19.

But it was the last time the Beermen held the lead at the end of the quarter. At halftime, Alaska was leading 40-37.

The Beermen tried to fight back in the second half, even clawing back from a 12-point shortage in the fourth to take a slim lead, 93-94, with less than a minute and a half on the game clock.

But Alaska pulled away with an 8-0 run, 101-94, with only seconds left on the game clock.

Alex Cabagnot inched the Beermen closer to the Aces with a triple, but the Aces sank the final shot to closeout with the victory.

Sonny Thoss led the Aces with 18 points and five boards. While Calvin Abueva, who took an elbow to the face from Ryan Arana in the opening quarter, made 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Beermen’s big man June Mar Fajardo made the most points in the game with his career-high 43 baskets and 19 rebounds. Alex Cabagnot came in second with 19 points and five assists.

The Beermen fell 9-2, putting their automatic semifinals slot in danger; while the Aces increased their chances of bagging the second slot in the PBA Philippine cup.

The Alaska Aces are tied with Rain or Shine, who recently defeated Meralco, for the second slot.

the Aces will face the Barako Bulls on Saturday.

Box scores:

ALASKA 103 โ€“ Thoss 18, Abueva 17, Banchero 17, Manuel 12, Baguio 10, Jazul 9, Menk 6, Casio 5, Baclao 2, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 2, Eman 1, Hontiveros 0.

SAN MIGUEL 97 โ€“ Fajardo 43, Cabagnot 19, Santos 10, Lutz 8, Tubid 6, Espinas 5, Heruela 2, Omolon 2, Ross 2, Arana 0, De Ocampo 0, Lassiter 0, Reyes 0.

Quarters: 16-19, 40-37, 74-64, 103-97.