Abueva’s career best propels Aces vs Kia 5

MANILA, Philippines - Calvin Abueva put up another mammoth game with 23 points and 21 rebounds to power unbeaten leader Alaska Milk to an 85-75 win over the gritty Kia side in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Alaska coach Alex Compton had all praises for Abueva after the energetic Pampango forward delivered career bests 26 points and 22 rebounds in their 100-98 decision over Talk n Text last Oct. 28.

The former San Sebastian Stag had averaged 15.5 points and 11.5 rebounds before coming through with yet another outstanding performance and becoming the first PBA player in seven years to churn out two 20-20 games in a conference.

Gilas stars Ranidel de Ocampo, Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro, and former Gilas cadet player Matt Ganuelas teamed up in a strong finish, carrying Talk n Text past Meralco, 80-72, in the nightcap.

The Tropang Texters made a decisive run from a 69-68 count and nailed a fourth win against two losses for solo fourth place behind the Aces and joint second placers the San Miguel Beermen (4-1) and the Ginebra Kings (4-1).

The Bolts dropped to joint fifth with Globalport and Rain or Shine at 3-2.

The Aces banked heavily on Abueva to overcome the absence of injured lead center Sonny Thoss and the tough challenge of the Sorento, stretching their perfect run to five games.

Alaska dealt Kia a fifth straight loss after a triumph PBA debut versus Blackwater.

“Kia has a fighting heart and the technical knowledge of coach Glenn Capacio. They played harder than us and they pushed us to the limit,” said Compton.

“If we weren’t able to force them to turnovers, they could’ve easily beat us,” Compton added.

The Sorento, improving game after game, came out strong and engaged the Aces in a battle until committing crucial lapses in the crunch.

Cyrus Baguio pounded an opening on Kia’s defense for a layup, then Jvee Casio forced Rudy Lingganay to commit an error which he himself turned to a key basket as Alaska took an eight-point lead at 81-73 entering the last two minutes of the game.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra goes for a 5-1 win-loss card at midpoint of its elims stint as it tangles with Barako Bull at the resumption of play at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

In a best start in a game, the Sorento led by 18-11 in the opening quarter and trailed by just a point, 38-39, at the half.

The Aces built double-digit spreads in the third quarter but the Sorento made their own runs in the fourth to get back into the game.

“There were certain things they did better than us. We did not match their intensity. They played harder and they’re tough,” said Compton of the Sorento.

But there’s no denying the Aces even minus Thoss who’s nursing a foot injury.

Sans Thoss, Eric Menk finally made his Alaska debut, playing 17 minutes and logging six rebounds and three points.