By Diego de la Paz
QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) – Alaska made sure Rain or Shine stashed its broom in the closet for another day, avoiding a series sweep via a 111-99 victory in Game 4 of the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals series on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska managed to gain cruise control in the first three quarters, thanks to its stingy defense and a revised game plan that pushed the tempo and involved their guards more on their offensive schemes. It was enough to withstand a final charge by Rain or Shine, led by Maverick Ahanmisi with 15 points in the final quarter.
Chris Banchero spearheaded the Aces’ attack, tallying 17 points with eight assists in the match. RJ Jazul continued his hot shooting streak with 15 points on three-for-five shooting from long range, while Rob Dozier scrapped and put up a quiet 23 points with eight rebounds in the win.
Alaska’s total team effort put to naught Rain or Shine rookie guard Ahanmisi, who had a career game of 30 points.
Despite the result, the Elasto Painters have another crack at the title when Game 5 of the series tips off on Sunday, May 15, also at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Head Coach Alex Compton said the team should have brought out the same performance they pulled off in Game 4 much earlier in the series, thus avoiding an 0-3 hole in the first place.
“We showed up. I’d really like to commend our players. Challenged them, talked about them a lot,” said Compton. “Contrary to popular belief, we didn’t make any overwhelming adjustment. We did what we were supposed to do and I’m proud of them for that.”
For Rain or Shine, import Pierre Henderson-Niles failed to make much of an impact, scoring a season-low three points – mostly due to a lingering back injury felt during the previous day’s practice.