Aces survive 3rd straight do-or-die game, rout Kings

MANILA, Philippines -- The Alaska Aces fighting with much emotion, survived a third straight do-or-die game, stunning top seed Barangay Ginebra, 104-97, to force a second game in their own quarters matchup.

Winning three knockout battles in four days, the Aces finally get some breather before facing the Gin Kings in a deciding encounter Saturday.

“Winning back-to-back games gave us a bit of confidence. It’s beyond coaching at this point,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo. “I don’t want to feel satisfied. It’s just one game.”

The Scores:

Alaska 104 -- Hontiveros 18, Baguio 18, Casio 16, Abueva 16, Thoss 13, Espinas 12, Jazul 10, Eman 1, Belasco 0, Dela Cruz 0, Exciminiano 0.

Ginebra 97 - Aguilar 22, Tenorio 16, Caguioa 15, Urbiztondo 13, Slaughter 12, Helterbrand 9, Ellis 4, Reyes 4, Baracael 2, Ababou 0, Monfort 0.

Quarters: 23-20; 55-51; 80-71; 104-97