MANILA, Philippines – Prized rookie Calvin Abueva and Cyrus Baguio teamed up for Alaska’s heart-stopping 83-81 finish over Rain or Shine on Saturday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Despite failing to churn out double figures against the Elasto Painters, both Abueva and Baguio delivered when it mattered most.
 
According to PBA’s website, Abueva’s booming triple 10.1 seconds remaining helped the Aces tie game 81-all.

Baguio then sealed the deal for Alaska, running away with a buzzer-beating lay-up to shock Rain or Shine.

Import Robert Dozier also had a competitive game against the Elasto painters’ taller reinforcement, Bruno Sundov, top scoring the Aces with 21 points.

Alaska was trailing Rain or Shine by 7 points after two quarters, 40-47.

The Aces bounced back in the third but the Painters managed to seize the lead near the end of the final period, 81-78.

But Abueva rifled the game tying triple 10 seconds to go then blocked Sundov from behind during the ensuing play.

This led to Baguio’s game winning basket.

Baguio finished with 9 points, while Abueva had 8.

Sonny Thoss and JV Casio added 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Sundov led Rain or Shine with 30 points and 15 rebounds. No other Elasto Painters came up with double figures, putting Sundov’s efforts in vain.

Box scores:

Alaska 83 – Dozier 21, Thoss 17, Casio 11, Baguio 9, Abueva 8, Espinas 6, Ramos 5, Jazul 4, Hontiveros 2, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Belasco 0.

Rain or Shine 81 – Sundov 30, Lee 8, Norwood 8, Chan 8, Tang 6, Arana 6, Matias 5, Belga 5, Cruz 2, Quinahan 2, Tiu 1, Rodriguez 0.

Quarterscores: 24-23; 40-47; 66-66; 83-81