MOVE A WIN AWAY FROM SEMIS

Aces turn back Kings

07/12/2010

Alaska Milk proved steadier in the stretch as it hacked out an 84-82 win over Barangay Ginebra for a 2-0 lead in the PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinal series at the Cuneta Astrodome yesterday.

Diamon Simpson provided the needed sparks all gamelong, but it Joe Devance and LA Tenorio struck for the big plays to help the Aces finally pull through in another gruelling encounter and post a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five quarterfinal series.

“That was a heck of a game. It’s just a proud game coz both teams are not giving in... games one and two going down to the last possession,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone after the game decided only in the last play.

Devance and Tenorio came up with crucial plays down the stretch that saw Kings’ designated shooter Sunday Salvacion miss a what could have been a game-winning three-point shot.

“Thankful that shot went out and didnt go in... this comes to show how close the series has been,” added Cone.

The Aces thus moved one win away from making the semifinal series where they will meet top seed Talk ‘N Text in the best-of-seven series.

“We’re gonna go out and try to play a solid game and try to win again on Wednesday. My guys didnt back down they came with a lot of intensity,” said Cone, acknowledging the Gin Kings’ marked adjustments from Game 1 which the Acews took, 76-72, last Friday.

“They made some really good adjustments from game one... we just really had the size... Joe did a great job finding his space. Give credit to three, Diamon for setting up the tough screen, LA for going into the heart of the defense and Joe,” Cone said.

Simpson came away with 30 points, Devance added 19 and Baguio 15 as they alternated for the Aces, who led by as many as 12 (28-16) early in the game before the Kings made a short rally.

But the Aces quicly lost that lead and found themselves trailing at 76-78 on a three-point shot by former Alaska man Willie Miller, with 3:11 left.

The Aces also bungled at least four offensive plays, but the Gin Kings failed to capitalize on it, until Simpson started to score again, leading the Aces to wrest the driver’s seat at 80-78. Chris Daniels tied the count for Ginebra with a tip-in on Miller’s missed jumper, 80-all, 53.2 seconds left.

One more standoff ensured at 82-all, before Tenorio dished out another assist on Devance for an undergoal stab for an 84-82 which the Kings failed to answer after Salvacion muffed a three-point shot after their inbound.

The scores:

Alaska (84) — Simpson 30, Devance 19, Baguio 16, Thoss 9, Tenorio 4, Dela Cruz 4, Cariaso 2, Eman 0, Hugnatan 0, Cablay 0.

Ginebra (82) — Daniels 19, Tubid 14, Menk 11, Cortez 9, De Ocampo 8, Miller 7, Salvacion 6, Cahuioa 4, Intal 2, Helterbrand 2, Cruz 0, Hatfield 0.

Quarters: 30-20, 40-39, 63-58, 84-82

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