Aces lead Kings, 2-0; Giants win

MANILA, Philippines - Red-hot Alaska Milk made it two in a row over Barangay Ginebra, 90-82, even as a revitalized Purefoods team got even with San Miguel Beer, 103-84, in Game Two of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series at the Astrodome last night.  

The Aces continued to pounce on a tired Ginebra team, taking control early and sustaining a solid game all throughout as they established a commanding two-game-to-nil lead in their side of the Final Four.

The Giants, opting just to have a serious talk than spend more energy in practice Thursday, returned with springs in their legs, avenging an 83-99 loss to the Beermen Wednesday.

“It’s hard to believe we could play two good games against Ginebra. By and large, Ginebra just couldn’t do what they wanted to do because they’re tired,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“The bottom line, however, is that we’ve been here and they’ve been here. We’re two-zero against Talk n Text in the last all-Filipino finals and we lost. Ginebra’s zero-two against Talk n Text in their recent quarters and they won. That’s why I’m still expecting a long series,” Cone added.

“At least, we fought tonight. We lost it far better than we lost the last time. We fought despite a depleted lineup, and I think we’ll have a better frame of mind in the next game,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

Willie Miller put in a game-high 18 points while Tony dela Cruz had a double-double game with 16 rebounds and 14 points for the Aces who also drew key numbers from Sonny Thoss, Joe De Vance and Larry Fonacier.

The Giants came roaring back into the series two days after being virtually wiped out of the court in the series opener, 83-99, as they showed their old spunk so evident in their quarterfinal victory over Rain or Shine despite the ouster of Kerby Raymundo on two technicals.

Rafi Reavis ably filled in the slack left by Raymundo, coming through with a double-double game with 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead Purefoods to its first win over San Miguel in four meetings in the all-Filipino tourney.

James Yap, Niño Canaleta, Roger Yap and Paul Artadi sustained the Giants’ offensive surge as the team, spared from the rigors of a heavy workout a day earlier, came out brimming with confidence and energy to reduce the series to a best-of-five.

“We’re really tired and weary so we just walked through our plays yesterday (Thursday) and spent a lot more time in the locker room to talk about what we must do,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

“It’s nice to finally win over San Miguel but it takes four games to win the series. We just tied it at one-one, so we’ve done nothing special,” Gregorio added.

“There were no excuses. We came out flat and they came out with a lot of energy. They won the rebounds. It takes effort more than talent to do that,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“Good thing, we’re just back to scratch. For sure, the intensity will pick up for both teams. They stepped up in Game Two and we have to make sure to step up as well in Game Three,” Tanquingcen added.

The Giants jumped the gun on the Beermen early, taking the opening quarter at 28-21, then held on to the lead all the way to the finish.

They never wavered despite the ejection of Raymundo, sustaining a solid all-around game to deal San Miguel its worst defeat since a 100-129 blowout by Talk n Text in Game One of their all-Filipino semis duel last year.

Reavis had a superb game also marked by four blocks and three assists in 37 minutes of play. He was 8-of-12 from the field and 4-of-7 from the stripe in producing his biggest output in the league in six years.

“It’s about recognition of where we are today. It’s about understanding what position we are in,” said Reavis.

“Our vaunted defense came to play and it helped that Rafi ably filled in the shoes of Kerby,” said Gregorio.

“We’ll be playing an important game on Sunday and I hope what happened to Kerby was a blessing in disguise. He’s able to rest his injured legs. Hopefully, he comes back stronger,” said Gregorio of his ace forward-center.

Raymundo was ejected from the game with 4:11 to go in the second quarter on back-to-back technical infractions for vehemently protesting a call. Purefoods was up 42-30 then.

As a result, the former Letran stalwart ended up scoreless in a game for the first time since 2004.