Aces, Chambers trim Phone Pals

ANTIPOLO – Alaska Milk regained its fighting form with Sean Chambers playing in place of the injured Terrance Badgett, pummeling Mobiline, 101-67, to keep its chance for a slot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Magic Four last night at the Ynares Center here last night.

The Aces worked on all cylinders and scored the biggest rout in the tournament thus far in snapping a four-game losing skein and ending their elimination-round stint with a 5-4 win-loss record.

Just like what San Miguel did to Pop Cola Friday, Alaska put the game away from Mobiline right in the first half of play in a dazzling display of team effort – which the Aces lacked as they dropped their last four games after winning their first four.

The Aces raced to a 59-25 halftime lead and breezed to victory, scuttling the Phone Pals’ own bid to stay in the running for the Magic Four.

Falling to 3-5, the Phone Pals need to beat the Sta. Lucia Realtors at the close of the elimination round Wednesday to avoid figuring in a possible double-playoff for the last two seats in the quarterfinals.

Chambers, now playing his 17th conference in 15 seasons in the league, actually scored only 15 points but all his teammates had their contributions in a well-balanced offense which the erratic Mobiline side couldn’t handle.

The Phone Pals came out of a nine-day layoff rusty, struggling from the floor all night.

Asi Taulava, who erupted for a career-high 43 points in their last game against Tanduay, went scoreless in the first half and finished with only 14 points.

Todd Bernard had 30 points but made only nine in the first 24 minutes of play.