PBA: Alaska lays 20-point beatdown on Purefoods

Published October 22, 2014 9:36pm

Calvin Abueva led the charge for Alaska. KC Cruz

Before the game, the Alaska Aces watched the Purefoods Star Hotshots receive their championship rings.

After tipoff, Alaska proceeded to lay the smackdown on the winners of last season's Grand Slam, fashioning out a dominant 93-73 victory on Wednesday in the 2015 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

After a hot 7-0 start from Purefoods behind top gun James Yap, Alaska managed to strike back, battling the Hotshots to a 16-all deadlock after the first period.

The Aces then broke away in the second period, unleashing furious pressure defense to open up a 35-25 bubble with 3:31 remaining in the first half.

It was all Alaska from then on as the Aces took advantage of the lethargic Hotshots, who are coming off four straight PBA championships as the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.

Calvin Abueva scored 21 points to lead Alaska, which forced 23 turnovers on the Hotshots. He led six players with at least nine points for the Aces.

James Yap carried the fight with 16 points for Purefoods, which played without Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Marc Pingris. The Hotshots also lost second-year big man Ian Sangalang, who left the game after injuring his knee.— JST, GMA News

The scores:

ALASKA 93 - Abueva 21, Manuel 11, Jazul 11, Thoss 9, Hontiveros 9, Casio 9, Baguio 6, Bugia 6, Banchero 5, Eman 2, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 0.

PUREFOODS 73 - Yap 16, Taha 10, Simon 10, Barroca 6, Devance 6, Maliksi 5, Matias 5, Melton 4, Mallari 4, Reavis 3, Holstein 3, Sangalang 1, Gaco 0.

Quarters: 16-16, 43-29, 68-51, 93-73

Tags: pba, alaskaaces, purefoodsstarhotshots