Miller posts season’s 1st triple double

ANTIPOLO -- Alaska Milk got back to basics to check its slide and finally lay claim to top honors in the KFC Philippine Cup elimination round Friday at the Ynares Center here.

The Aces dug deep defensively and just went through the motion offensively as they got back at the Air21 Express, 76-65, to clinch outright seat in the semifinals.

"Losing our last two games, we had to go back to basics, relying on defense and rebounding to win this game. We dug down and got low, just thinking about defending and bahala na on offense," said Alaska Milk coach Tim Cone.

"It's good for us to win this game. Had we lost it, I don't think we can win our last game against Purefoods. It would be very tough for us," Cone added.

As the entire team gutted it out in the contest, Willie Miller still managed to churn out a sterling show of his own, coming through with the first triple-double performance by any player this season.

It was his second career triple-double and first with Alaska.

Miller logged 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as the Aces avenged a sorry loss to the Express in their first meeting, scoring the victory that assured the team No. 1 finish in the double-round elimination phase.

Actually, Rain or Shine and Talk n Text can still catch up with Alaska at 11-7. In that scenario, the Aces still gain outright entry into the semis with a superior quotient.

The Express moved out of the race for the Top Two as they suffered a ninth loss against eight wins. They need to win their last game against Talk n Text on Christmas Day to get a chance for a playoff for an automatic slot in the quarterfinals.

"I think we're able to throw their game off on our defense. Offensively, we held the ball better than usual," said Cone as they limited the Express to their lowest output in the season.

Incidentally, Air21 is currently the best offensive team, the only one averaging above 100 points.

The Aces built the momentum in the second quarter and kept the pace up to the finish.

Tony dela Cruz was the only other Alaska player to score in double figure in the low-scoring contest. He had 15 points that went with four rebounds, one assist and one block.

JC Intal started at off-guard spot and led the Express with 17 points, counting three treys.

Don Allado collected two points, three rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal in his first game in an Air21 jersey. (NC)

The scores:

Alaska 76 -- Miller 23, Dela Cruz 15, De Vance 9, Hugnatan 8, Cariaso 7, Tenorio 4, Thoss 4, Ferriols 4, Fonacier 2.

Air21 65 -- Intal 17, David 13, Kramer 7, Arboleda 7, Santos 5, Billones 5, Quinahan 4, Canaleta 3, Se 2, Allado 2, Cruz 0, Sta. Maria 0.

Quarterscores: 21-11, 37-25, 53-45, 76-65


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