Aces' Forte steals show

Manila, Philippines - Jason Forte stopped a crucial attack by Donald Sloan, grabbed the loose ball then knocked in the insurance foul shots as Alaska Milk fended off Barangay Ginebra, 83-79, for a strong 5-3 (win-loss) windup in the elimination round of the PBA Governors Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

“I just tried to do what I do – bring the effort the best I can do,” said Forte, having the final laugh as the Aces overcame Sloan’s 19-point final-half explosion.

The Aces withstood the Kings’ bristling rally from a 15-point halftime deficit for the win assuring them of at least a share of second place at the close of the elimination round Wednesday in the same venue.

The Kings came up short in their comeback bid and slid to joint fourth with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 4-3.

The two teams meet each other in the final game of the elims.

Forte finished with 24 points, 20 rebounds, five assists and one block against five turnovers in a solid 44-minute job.

The hard-working Alaska import had had a near double-double right in the first half helping the Aces build a 50-35 cushion at the turn.

Saving his best for last, Sloan electrified the crowd as he led a fierce Ginebra chase in the final half.

Alas, he missed the shots that mattered the most.

He had a running teardrop shot that went short when Ginebra had the chance to finally seize the lead with 20 seconds left to play.

A split from the foul line by LA Tenorio in the ensuing play gave the Kings a chance to send the game into overtime.

Sloan, however, missed another crucial shot, unable to shake off Forte’s good defensive stance.

The Kings suffered the close loss curiously after scoring back-to-back wins without an import.

Sloan, a player with quickness and flashy moves, wound up with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals in his PBA debut.

Tenorio went 2-of-2 from beyond the arc and totaled 12 points while Forte logged 10 points and eight rebounds in the first half.

The Aces closed the opening half with a 20-3 salvo in the last seven minutes.