(CNN Philippines) — The Alaska Aces escaped the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 94-93, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup on Friday (May 15) at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Romeo Travis, who teamed up with Sonny Thoss late in the game, scored 23 points to lead the Aces.
RJ Jazul scored 14 points, Vic Manuel added 13 points, and JVee Casio and Dondon Hontiveros handed in 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Alaska (3-0).
The Aces were down 91-88 in the endgame but uncorked a 6-2 blast to finish the fourth quarter thanks to Travis and Thoss, who scored four straight points to give Alaska a 94-91 lead late.
Rain or Shine made two freethrows on the other end to come within a point, but a drive from Paul Lee, four seconds left in the game, was halted by Casio as time expired.
Wendell McKines scored 24 points, while Jericho Cruz contributed 16 points for the Elasto Painters (0-2).
The scores:
Alaska (94) — Travis 23, Jazul 14, Manuel 13, Casio 11, Hontiveros 10, Abueva 7, Banchero 6, Thoss 4, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 2, Menk 2, Baguio 0, Baclao 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Rain or Shine (93) — McKines 24, Cruz 16, Lee 13, Quinahan 8, Almazan 8, Norwood 6, Jervy Cruz 6, Tang 5, Belga 3, Uyloan 2, Ibanes 2.
Quarterscores: 24-21, 42-43, 77-64, 94-93.
