CORY Jefferson further solidified his status as one of the league’s top imports.
The prolific Alaska reinforcement hit the go-ahead basket in the final minute to lift the Aces to a tough 105-102 escape win over Rain or Shine in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jefferson exploded with 41 points and 13 rebounds to pace Alaska from start to finish.
This fourth straight victory pushed Alaska to a first place tie with Meralco as they both hold similar 4-0 cards.
On the other hand, Rain or Shine suffered its second straight loss after a 3-0 start, falling to 3-2 in the middle of the pack.
With his team down by a point, 98-99, Jefferson calmly drained the go-ahead triple with 30.1 ticks to give Alaska the lead, 101-99.
In the succeeding possession, rookie Mike Tolomia then threw the ball over, giving the Aces the ball back with 23 seconds remaining.
Forced to foul, Rain or Shine sent Jvee Casio to the line and he made both freebies, putting Alaska ahead 103-99 with 16 seconds left.
Still fighting, Shawn Taggart sank a triple for Rain or Shine, cutting Alaska’s lead to a single point, 103-102, with only 8.6 ticks left.
But Casio again sank two free throws with seven seconds left, icing the win for Alaska.
The Aces used the middle quarters to create separation over the Elasto Painters en route to listing another win.
Carrying their momentum and advantage from the first half, Alaska kept rolling in the third, taking a commanding 67-53 spread halfway the quarter after a triple from Casio from top of the key.
Entering the fourth, the Aces settled fr a 70-61 advantage but were still in command.
Rain or Shine rallied back in the fourth and even took the lead briefly before Jefferson saved the game for Alaska.
The scores:
ALASKA 105 – Jefferson 41, Casio 16, Thoss 15, Abueva 11, Racal 6, Enciso 5, Exciminiano 3, Andrada 3, Pascual 2, Cruz 2, Mendoza 1.
RAIN OR SHINE 102 – Taggart 40, Cruz 11, Tolomia 9, Yap 8, Norwood 8, Chan 7, Belga 6, Almazan 4, Washington 4, Tiu 3, Ponferada 2, Ahanmisi 0.
Quarters: 26-29, 50-44, 80-71, 105-102.