MANILA: At least up until this point of this Philippine Cup, it’s fairly safe to say that Purefoods is Alaska’s master.
The Tender Juicy Giants repeated over the Aces last night — and in the same easy manner — after getting 15 points and eight rebounds from rookie Rico Maierhofer in a 94-77 victory to stay in the running for an automatic semifinal seat at the Araneta Coliseum.
Maierhofer provided all of the energy that the Giants needed as Purefoods stalled Alaska’s march into the final four while rising to 11-6 and tying idle sister squad Barangay Ginebra for third heading into the final week of elimination round action.
“We played them at the right time because we saw them struggling last Wednesday (against Sta. Lucia),” Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said, referring to the way the Aces defeated the Realtors only two nights before.
“But the biggest game for us would be Sta. Lucia tonight he added. “We’re still aiming for that No. 2 spot and as long as there is a small opening, we will definitely pursue it.” Alaska lost for the third time in its last four games and dropped to 12-4. The Aces have two more chances to join the idle San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals, against Burger King and Rain or Shine next week.”
Purefoods downplayed its tag as the No.1 defensive team in the tournament by holding the Aces to that paltry total. Alaska came into the game as the third-best offensive squad with a little more than 94 points as average.
The Giants held former two-time MVP Willie Miller to just 13 markers and starting points guard LA Tenorio to nine. Alaska’s backcourt tandem averaged slightly over 31 points a contest coming into last night’s game.
It was actually a close game up until the final minute of the second period, when the Giants scored on several spurts for a seven-point lead at the half. It was all Purefoods from the third quarter on, with Purefoods taking leads of as many as 17 points.
In the first game, another rookie also stood out as Chris Ross scored a career-high 18 points – 11 coming in the final period – to lift Coca-Cola to a 105-83 thumping of Rain or Shine.
Asi Taulava scattered 14 points and collared 14 rebounds as the Tigers picked up their fourth win in their last five outings to improve to 5-12 and practically assure their stint in the wildcard phase.
“My challenge to them was basically that it’s a game that can go both ways. I think we believe that we have what it takes to beat them and they, too, have what it takes to beat us,” coach Bo Perasol said.
“Fortunately, they responded well to the challenge.”
The Tigers will now have to beat Barako Bull in their final elimination round game on Wednesday to formally advance to the wild card.
They can also march on without sweating it out, is Sta. Lucia Realty beats Barako Bull when the two teams clash tomorrow.
Mark Macapagal helped with 17 points, RJ Rizada had 13 and Gary David debuted for the Tigers with 12 points and six rebounds.
Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado, and Eddie Laure each scored 14 points to pace Rain or Shine, which dropped to 4-13. The Elasto Painters have lost their last three games and are now in danger of being eliminated.
The Painters have one more game left, against Alaska on Jan. 22.
Though Coca-Cola led all the way, the Painters were very much in the game, even coming within a point at 57-56 after a lay-up from Mark Telan with 8:08 left in the third quarter.
Everything changed after David hit a triple that sparked a 13-2 blast as Coca-Cola tore the game open with a 70-58 lead with 2:50 to go.
