Source : JVP, GMA News
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| LA Tenorio |
Behind import Jason Forte and Bonbon Custodio, the Aces scored the first eight points of the fourth period to stretch a slim 64-63 third quarter lead to 71-63 with 10:24 left and never looked back to nail the important win that likewise ended the Elasto Painters' bid for their first ever stint in the best-of-seven title series.
Custodio, who finished with 10 points, capped the 8-0 run by completing a three-point play.
Forte then rubbed it off further to the Elasto Painters by coming through with a thunderous one-handed slam for a 75-65 Alaska lead entering the eight-minute mark of the contest.
The Aces finished their semifinal campaign at 8-5, moving past idle Barangay Ginebra and Petron, which earlier scored a 97-92 win over B-MEG, at second place.
Petron will face early finalist Talk 'N Text while Ginebra battles Rain or Shine on Friday with a loss by the Blaze Boosters and the Gin Kings would give the Aces the remaining finals slot.
Forte led the Aces with 24 points, while L.A. Tenorio was the top local scorers with 20.
Arizona Reid, the only original import left together with Forte, had 25 points for Rain or Shine (6-6).
The Elasto Painters had a sluggish start, where they trailed by 17-4 and 42-29 in the first half.
But the Painters managed to bounce back behind Reid, Ronjay Buenafe and Beau Belga's third-quarter performance.
A Larry Rodriguez putback had Rain or Shine grabbing the upperhand, 63-61, with 72 seconds left in the third.
A Tony dela Cruz free throw and a Jay-R Reyes basket put the Aces back on top, 64-63 entering the final 12 minutes of play.
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