Petron blazes past Alaska, stays in top 4

MANILA, Philippines - Petron Blaze drew another solid game from Arwind Santos and went to import Jeremy Wise in the clutch as it turned back a pesky Alaska, 82-81, in overtime to remain in the top four in the PBA Governors Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The long-limbed Santos turned in a team-high 22 points and 19 rebounds for his 15th double-double effort in the season while Wise saved his best for last, scoring all but three of his 18 points in regulation and in the extra period to help seal the win for the Boosters.

Wise canned two pressure-packed charities that gave Petron a one-point cushion before committing his sixth and last foul against Cyrus Baguio.

But Baguio, who struggled all game for 11 points, muffed both his charities with Santos collaring the rebound before the former stole the ball back following an errant pass by the latter to Sunday Salvacion, giving the Aces another chance to set up a play for another crack at the lead and perhaps the win.

But LA Tenorio misfired on his three-point attempt and Tony dela Cruz missed a desperation jumper as time expired.

“We were a little bit lucky to get the win,” said Petron Blaze coach Ato Agustin.

Petron thus tied B-MEG Derby Ace at third with 3-2 cards while the loss was Alaska’s third in five games.

Alaska import Jason Forte also came through with a double-double job of 26 points and 18 boards but failed to get the job done down the stretch.

In the nightcap, Powerade edged Rain or Shine, 98-96, to remain in the thick of things with a second win in five outings.

Rain or Shine fell to its second loss against three wins.