Alaska Milk flashed impeccable form despite an 11-day rest and smothered Talk n Text, 102-92, to assure itself of at least an outright quarterfinals seat in the Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome last night.
Joachim Thoss pulled down a career-high 19 rebounds that went with 18 points while Willie Miller led all scorers with 23 points as the Aces won their penultimate game in the double-round eliminations, guaranteeing the team of a slot in the Magic Five.
The Aces take another long rest before ending their elims stint versus the Purefoods Giants Friday, seeking a closing 11-7 win-loss card that could give them an outright semis seat.
“We’ve got a quarters seat. That’s what we want if we don’t get outright semis entry,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.
The Pals suffered a second straight loss and slid to 8-8, now a full game behind the fifth-running Magnolia Beverage Masters (9-7).
“It’s always scary to play Talk n Text because they have so many weapons and are so deep up and down their lineup. But we caught them while still trying to evolve without Asi Taulava,” said Cone
“It used to be a strong post team which has become more guard-oriented. They’re evolving as a team but still very talented. You don’t want to play them come playoff time,” Cone added.
Alaska showed up Talk n Text with Thoss imposing his strength at the paint, making the big difference as the Aces outrebounded the Pals, 60-41.
Barangay Ginebra scored its second back-to-back wins in the tourney and stayed in the race for an outright quarters slot with a 115-110 shellacking of Red Bull in the second game.
“It’s a long shot but we still had a shot. That’s important,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico as they kept their flickering hopes of making it to the quarters without going through the wildcard round.