Alaska survives TNT, sets up sudden death showdown

Calvin Abueva and the Aces lived to fight another day. KC Cruz

The Alaska Aces extended its Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals series against Tropang TNT on Tuesday with a hard-fought 85-81 victory on Tuesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Rob Dozier led the Aces with 18 points, while Sonny Thoss and Calvin Abueva chipped in 15 each. RJ Jazul, meanwhile, tallied 10.

TNT had two chances to take the lead and end the series, but Ranidel De Ocampo and Troy Rosario missed their attempts from deep in the Tropang Texters' final possession to give Alaska the victory.

"TNT had 81 points. I'm so happy with the way we defended." said Alaska coach Alex Compton after the game. "My heart dropped when Troy was left open. Scared the life out of me."

TNT import David Simon peppered the Alaska defense with 31 points, while Jayson Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo scored 17 and 15 points, respectively. Rosario, meanwhile, was limited to just eight points after scoring 31 in Game 1.

With the win, the Aces tied their best-of-three series at 1-all, setting up a sudden death Game Three on Friday. —JST, GMA News