Alaska turns to veteran ace Miller to stay perfect

MANILA, Philippines - Willie Miller scored 21 points, including seven straight in a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter, and Alaska held off Rain or Shine's ferocious rally to win 91-84 in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Rising to the challenge, Miller converted on an undergoal basket, a turnaround fadeaway jumper over burly guard Sol Mercado, and a three-pointer in a span of 77 seconds as the Aces broke free from a 78-all count to take an 85-78 lead midway through the payoff period. Miller also finished with 10 rebounds. LA Tenorio added 18 points on five-of-nine shooting from the field, and Tony de la Cruz and Reynel Hugnatan combined for 23 points for Alaska (4-0) which kept its unbeaten start alive. "Veteran presence in the stretch, that was the key," said Alaska coach Tim Cone, who confronted Miller during a lull in the first period, irate at a hurried attempt at the basket. "It was a huge game for Willie. He really stands out. Again, it's Miller time." Rain or Shine had a chance to steal the game after Rob Wainwright's three-pointer put the Elasto Painters within striking distance 87-84 with 42 seconds left. But Hugnatan sealed the win after he scored off a putback on a Miller miss to make it 89-84 with 21 seconds on the clock. The victory, Alaska's ninth straight over Rain or Shine dating back to its league debut as the Welcoat Dragons, extended the Aces' hold of first place. Jay-R Reyes scored 16 points and Wainwright had 14 for the Elasto Painters, who was behind by as many as 72-52 in the third quarter. They lost for a second straight time and fell to an even 2-2 mark. - GMANews.TV