Alaska turns back Ginebra behind Abueva, Jazul

Calvin Abueva dominated for Alaska. KC Cruz

RJ Jazul hit Alaska's final seven points, while Calvin Abueva strung up 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists as the Aces defeated Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 86-80, on Wednesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

"It's always different when you play Ginebra," said Alaska coach Alex Compton after the game. "Special mention on Calvin's effort but it's really a team thing."

The Aces zoomed to their fourth straight victory in the Commissioner's Cup for a 4-1 record, second behing the Meralco Bolts' 5-1. Ginebra, meanwhile, saw its three-game winning streak snapped to fall to 3-3.

Alaska led by 11 points with six minutes left in the game, but a 10-0 run by Ginebra cut the deficit to just one at the 2:42 mark, 79-78. RJ Jazul then responded with a triple to extend the lead to four, 82-78.

Jervy Cruz scored two free throws with 16.6 second remaining to pull the Gin Kings within a basket.

After an Alaska timeout, Ginebra fouled Jazul, who secured two free throws to give the Aces more breathing space.

An Othyus Jeffers drive wasn't successful for Ginebra, allowing Jazul hit two more charities to put the game away.

Jazul finished the game with 16 points off the bench, while Shane Edwards led the starters with 25 points and 11 boards. Sonny Thoss also added 10 as a starter.

Ginebra, meanwhile, struggled offensively. They shot just 34 percent from the field after missing all 15 of their shots from behind the arc. Greg Slaughter led his squad with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Jeffers finished the game with 21 points and 24 rebounds. Japeth Aguuilar and Joe Devance had 10 each.

Compton said they came into the game expecting a defensive struggle against coach Tim Cone's squad.

"Coming into this game I know offense won't be easy. Coach Tim's a defensive genius," said Compton. —JST, GMA News

The scores:

ALASKA 86 - Edwards 25, Abueva 17, Jazul 16, Thoss 10, Baguio 7, Manuel 5, Banchero 2, Exciminiano 2, Hontiveros 2, Casio 0, Dela Rosa 0, Eman 0, Menk 0.

GINEBRA 80 - Slaughter 28, Jeffers 21, Aguilar 10, Devance 10, Tenorio 4, Ellis 3, Cruz 2, Thompson 2, Caguioa 0, Helterbrand 0, Marcelo 0, Mercado 0.

Quarters: 20-25, 42-39, 67-62, 86-80.