Games on Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
5:15 p.m. – Air21 vs Talk n Text
7:30 p.m. – Globalport vs Ginebra
MANILA, Philippines – Robert Dozier put in another steady all-around performance in showing up Alaska Milk’s original import prospect Eric Dawson as the Aces withstood the Meralco Bolts, 85-81, for a second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
Dozier followed up his 21-point and 16-rebound effort the last time with 27 markers, 14 boards and six blocks, and Sonny Thoss provided huge help defensively, neutralizing Dawson after a 37-point debut as Alaska pulled another one against Meralco and thus tied early tournament pacesetter Barako Bull at 2-0.
Calvin Abueva and Cyrus Baguio also played key roles, firing away 20 and 16 points, respectively, as the Aces made it three in a row against the Bolts after sweeping Meralco away in their best-of-three quarterfinals showdown in the recent Philippine Cup.
“Actually, if there’s a team we’re scared of, it’s Meralco. They’re coming along well and they have a good import. They’re tough and we’re lucky to hold on,†said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
“We had to focus on Dawson and credit goes to Sonny Thoss for his good job defensively,†Trillo also said.
Thoss logged in just six points and two rebounds but made an impact on being the primary defender of the Meralco import who’s held down to 15 after a stirring 37-point PBA debut against Talk n Text.
Dozier, on the other hand, silently worked his way to a steady game helping the Aces to early double-digit spreads.
Vic Manuel and Ronjay Buenafe led a Meralco fightback in the second half but the Aces hung tough, scoring a second straight win following a come-from-behind 83-81 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on opening day.
Manuel, a trade acquisition by Meralco during the brief league break, top scored for the losing team with 18 markers that went with eight rebounds and two assists.
Buenafe and Macmac Cardona blew hot and cold as they added 14 and 11, respectively.