Love the GAME. Aces complete sweep
Luigi Trillo wins first PBA title in style as Alaska Aces dominate Ginebra Kings in finals
MANILA—The Alaska Aces proved their mastery over Barangay Ginebra Kings with a 104-80 rout to sweep the best-of-five titular series, 3-0, last night to bring home their 14th title in the 38th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
After a close battle in the first three quarters, the Aces suddenly exploded with a fiery 12-0 run and went on to hold the Kings to only two points in the last 6:31 of the game to secure their first crown under the post-Tim Cone era.
JV Casio scored eight straight points--capped by a rare four-point play off a foul by JayJay Hilterbrand-to stretch the Aces’ lead to 96-79 with still 4:01 remaining.
Coach Luigi Trillo was all ecstatic with the victory for winning his first title in his rookie year as a coach after replacing coach Joel Banal last year.
“I never expected this sweep. But my players really refused to yield and wanted to end the series quickly. I thank God for this victory. There were a lot of work from my coaching staff so that we will win this Finals,” said Trilllo, one among the few coaches, who won a title in the first year as a mentor.
The victory at least completed the Aces’ dominance in the conference. They topped the elimination round with an 11-3 slate and went on to beat Air 21 in the quarterfinals and San Mig Coffee (3-1) in the semifinal round.
“This team has a lot of potentials. Thanks you and tonight the fans rallied behind Alaska. Thank you,” said Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytingsu.
Veteran Sonny Thoss was named the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the PBA Press Corps.
Meanwhile, LA Tenorio of Ginebra was named “Best Player of the Conference over rookie Calvin Abueva of Alaska. However, the 6’9 Robert Dozier of the Aces was the overwhelming choice for the “Best Import Award.”
The 5’8 guard Tenorio got most of the media votes with 475 and 75 from the players while getting 150 from PBA officials for a total of 1,125 points. He averaged 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 in assists a game for Ginebra.