Dozier, Thoss upstage meralco import Aces overpower Bolts, share lead

MANILA, Philippines - Robert Dozier put in another steady all-around performance in upstaging Alaska Milk’s original import prospect Eric Dawson as the Aces withstood the Meralco Bolts, 85-81, to notch their second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Dozier followed up his 21-point and 16-rebound effort against Rain or Shine 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 to tie 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 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,” said Trillo.

Thoss logged in just six points and two rebounds but made an impact by holding the Meralco import to 15 points 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 to post the win in a big follow-up to their 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, topscored 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.

Buenafe had been 1-of-5 from beyond the arc before nailing two treys, cutting down their deficit to 81-83 with 12.3 ticks left.

Petron Blaze shrugged off its losing debut against Globalport Friday, dishing out a high-octane performance as it clobbered San Mig Coffee, 98-73, in the second game.

“It’s a good bounce-back win for us after that frustrating game against Globalport. It’s more of the intangibles we showed in the game – the hustle, the intensity, the effort,” said Petron coach Olsen Racela.

Tony dela Cruz coolly sank two charities after a quick foul by Buenafe himself as the Aces iced the win.

Dozier had double-double numbers right in the opening half with 17 points and 10 rebounds. He also came through with three blocks and one steal against two turnovers in 21 minutes of action.

Abueva also came out strong, logging 13 markers and five boards in the first 24 minutes.

Alaska thrice led by at least 10 in the second quarter, the last at 47-37 on a stop-and-jump three-pointer with five seconds left.

The Bolts made it 39-47 at the half as they ran a quick play that had Mark Borboran beating the buzzer with a running jumper.