The Alaska Aces continue to show championship poise and Diamon Simpson proves he chould have been voted the “Best Import” as the Fred Uytengsu franchise under the astute coaching of Tim Cone grabbed a 2-0 lead over fancied San Miguel Beer in the PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven championship series before a good crowd at the Araneta Coliseum, Sunday.
Among those watching the game was Miami Heat head coach, Fil-Am Eric Spoelstra who, according to Simpson, inspired him to come up with another solid double-double performance in leading Alaska to a 94-90 victory despite fouling out with 29 seconds left to play .
Simpson finished the game with 29 points and 17 rebounds while Gabe Freeman who was chosen “Best Import” had 13 points and 14 rebounds and also fouled out in the dying seconds of the game.
In a post-game interview Simpson said he was aware that Spoelstra was around and that “his presence was truly inspirational.” Although he fouled out Simpson effectively sealed the victory by converting four consecutive free throws that gave Alaska a 91-88 edge with 42 seconds remaining.
The Aces showed the poise of a disciplined team when they stood firm against several comebacks by the defending champions, remaining cool from the free throw line in the last 77 seconds of the ballgame.
Coach Cone who likes understatements said “we didn’t expect this but we played great basketball.”
While a 2-0 lead appears comfortable Simpson has cautioned his teammates that San Miguel Beer can’t be counted out as yet even though pressure continues to mount on the Beermen.
Simpson said “It will be a whole new set of plays and whole new attitude in the next games. Right now we’re just trying to win games” even as the PBA website said he was disappointed not to win the “Best Import” award.
A vastly improved Joe de Vance got the Aces off to a solid start by scoring 14 points in the first half while Cyrus Bagio added 11 aside from having three assists and pulling off two steals.
Alaska’s stating pint guard L.A Tenorio was used comparatively sparingly because he was indisposed but he hit a big three down the stretch that took the sting out of the Beermen, finishing with six points and four assists.
While Jay Washington continued his fine form with 20 points and was backed up by Arwind Santos and Joseph Yeo who also had 20 points apiece, Freeman picked up three fouls in the very first quarter, rode the bench most of the first half and struggled throughout.
The PBA website game story said Alaska led 25-13 in the second quarter but SMB scored 20 of the next 26 points with Yeo knocking three of five 3-points shots. His third trey of the night tied the count at 31 before Santos scored on a banked shot to put SMB ahead, 33-31.
But their shooting soured again over the next 10 minutes and Alaska took a 50-45 lead at halftime.
SMB kept the game close and appeared to have gained momentum when Washington scored on a put back for an 88-87 lead with 1:30 to go before Simpson took over.
The scores:
Alaska 94 – Simpson 29, De Vance 14, Baguio 12, Dela Cruz 12, Borboran 8, Fonacier 7, Tenorio 6, Hugnatan 4, Cariaso 2, Robinson 0.
San Miguel 90 – Yeo 20, Washington 20, Santos 20, Freeman 13, Ildefonso 6, Cabagnot 5, Miranda 2, Racela 2, Villanueva 1, Hontiveros 1, Pennisi 0, Pena 0.
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