Aces overpower Boosters in physical game

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk overcame Petron Blaze’s physical game in the second half and rode on Bonbon Custodio’s big plays in the crunch as the Aces overpowered the Boosters, 93-88, and again went above the .500 mark in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Aces neutralized Nick Fazekas in the final half and Custodio was unstoppable at the finish as Alaska fashioned out a crucial come-from-behind win to move up to solo fourth with a 4-3 win-loss card.

“At the half, I convinced the guys that unless we also play physical, we don’t stand a chance. When we returned the favor, we started to make a run,” said Alaska coach Joel Banal.

“Their guards were very physical in setting picks for Fazekas, and he’s getting open. I told the guys we have to fight the picks and there should be no easy two points. Obviously, the guys responded and that’s the key,” Banal added.

The Aces limited Fazekas to 11 points in the second half as they sent the Boosters to joint seventh with the Meralco Bolts at 3-4.

Four technical fouls were called as the game turned rugged in the second half.

On the offensive end, Custodio stood out for the Aces with his second most career productive performance of 17 points.

The former UE Warrior struck hardest in the crunch, fuelling Alaska’s decisive run from an 83-84 count.

“We know he’s capable of doing that. You just have to turn your head around if he’s doing other ways. I’m glad I turned my head around,” said Banal of Custodio, who put in his biggest output in a game since making a career-best 22 with San Miguel Beer in 2008.

The 5-foot-11 guard scored on a floater from the left flank then on a breakaway layup off a fastbreak by LA Tenorio as Alaska surged ahead to stay at 89-84.

Earlier, Custodio rifled in six points in Alaska’s romp from a one-point deficit, 65-66, at the start of the third quarter.

After a long chase, the Aces raced ahead at 72-66, erasing a 43-52 deficit at the half.

Adam Parada logged 22 points and 15 rebounds as against Fazekas’ 33 markers and 19 boards.

Powerade dropped two rungs down to fifth place with a 3-3 slate.

Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and Tenorio also made significant contributions, tallying double-digit outputs.

Later in the night, Talk n Text used a strong windup to get past Powerade, 111-97, and gain virtual entry into the playoffs.

Larry Fonacier and Jason Castro fired crucial three-pointers to ignite a key run from an 81-all standoff en route to their fifth win against one loss.

Banal considered a huge morale boost the visit made by team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu in practice Monday.

“He assured us he’s in charge and that the team is here to stay. We feel so good about that,” said Banal.

On Friday, team manager Joaqui Trillo announced that Alaska Milk Corp. entered into a grand merger with Dutch dairy company Royal Friesland Campina with the latter increasing its stake in Alaska from about 8.1 to 68.9 percent via a purchase of 535.7 million shares.

The scores:

First Game

Alaska 93 – Parada 22, Baguio 19, Custodio 17, Thoss 14, Tenorio 11, Baracael 6, Reyes 2, Eman 1, Gelig 1, Salamat 0.

Petron 88 – Fazekas 33, Santos 14, Yeo 11, Cabagnot 10, Ildefonso 9, Guevarra 6, Miranda 5, Reyes 0.

Quarterscores: 18-27, 43-52, 65-66, 93-88

Second Game

Talk n Text 111 – Dillinger 28, Fonacier 17, Alapag 15, Harvey 12, Castro 12, De Ocampo 8, Aguilar 6, Williams 6, Gamalinda 5, Reyes 2, Carey 0. 

Powerade 97 – David 20, Jones 19, Anthony 13, Casio 13, Lassiter 12, Kramer 6, Lingganay 4, Vanlandingham 3, Allera 3, Calimag 2, Adducul 2, Cruz 0.

Quarterscores: 26-23, 56-46, 77-72, 111-97