Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Alaska Aces booked a trip to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup finals following an 82-77 victory over Star Hotshots in Game 3 on Sunday (July 5) at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Import Romeo Travis led the Aces with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Vic Manuel added 14 points.
As it was in the past three games, the Alaska Aces fell behind in the first half but made up for it with a strong second half to push Star to the brink.
“I’m happy that we ended it now,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “I didn’t wanna go into a Game 4 or Game 5.”
A Travis three pointer with 2:01 left on the clock gave the Aces a 79-77 advantage, putting the pressure on the Hotshots.
After an Alaska turnover, James Yap had the chance to give the Star the lead but missed the mark.
In the succeeding possession, Vic Manuel put the final nail in the coffin with a baseline jumper, 81-77, with 33 seconds to go.
James Yap led the Star with a 20-point outing.
The Aces will face the winner between Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and San Miguel Beermen in the other semifinal pairing.
