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By Frank C. Calapre, Correspondent
ALASKA overcame a sluggish start to beat Sta.
Lucia Realty, 107-94, and take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven
semifinal series in the 33rd Smart-PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the
Cuneta Astrodome.
The Aces, owner of 12 titles, were visibly tired
from sweeping the quarterfinals but gained enough strength from Mike
Cortez, Willie Miller and Jeffrey Cariaso to pull off the win.
The win may be an advantage for Alaska as
history showed 41 out of 63 teams which gained a 1-0 lead in a
best-of-seven series went on to win the title for a high winning
percentage of 65 percent.
“We played slow at the start but we gained
enough energy later on. Maybe that’s physical fatigue. After the
quarterfinals, we have little time to prepare for this match,”
said Alaska coach Tim Cone, whose Aces are seeking their second
straight crown after winning the Fiesta Conference last year.
Cortez, Miller and Cariaso combined for 39
points in Alaska’s big final half surge that saw them leading by
as much as 18 points, 87-69, still 9:48 remaining in the match.
The Realtors tried to fight back but their best
effort was closing in at 95-85, 3:34 left.
“Coach Boyet Fernandez wanted to put pressure
on my players early in the final half but we were fully recovered at
that time,” added Cone, who has been in the Final-Four for the
third time in the last four conferences.
Cortez led Alaska with 23 points, six rebounds
and four assists. Miller finished with 19 points, five rebounds and
10 assists while Cariaso chipped in 18 points.
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