PBA Cup Finals 2015: San Miguel Beermen vs. Alaska Aces Results for Game 5

The San Miguel Beermen took a 3-2 lead over the Alaska Aces in the fifth match of what's becoming an encapsulating PBA Cup Finals series.

A keenly fought encounter saw Leo Austria's side seize the initiative in the final quarter of the game, eventually winning by a 93-88 scoreline. At the end of the second and third stanzas, the two sides were dead level on points, providing a firm indication of just how tight the fifth game of the series was.

The result was confirmed by PBAonTV5:

The first couple of quarters were a really even affair, as both teams traded blows throughout. The action was pretty fluid, too, as the crowd in attendance was treated to an enterprising display from both teams.

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Alaska took a narrow lead into the second quarter after a late score, and head coach Alex Compton was undoubtedly hoping his team could build some momentum. And while they looked pretty steady in the next stanza, the Beermen’s top players began to ease their way into the match.

As noted by SPIN.ph, it was the big names on the roster who were coming up strong for them:

The score was level at 41-41 at the midway point—a situation that represented unfamiliar territory for Alaska. Up to that point in the series, the Aces had notched their wins by rallying late in a match and launching a fourth-quarter comeback. 

Being level with Austria’s side at this stage in the game was new to them, and subsequently, the next couple of quarters were set to make for some really encapsulating viewing.

Calvin Abueva was leading the charge for the Aces; he was the only player to notch double-digit points after the first two periods, and as noted by sports writer Carlos Araneta, his movement really stood out on the court:

But the affair continued to be a tightly contested match. Alaska seemed to have the upper hand for the majority of the third quarter, but the Beermen—who levelled the series up at 2-2 in the last match—were diligent in their efforts to get back into the contest.

Remarkably, the two teams were tied at 71-71 come the end of the penultimate quarter, thus setting up what was sure to be a thrilling final period.

Araneta expected a big effort from the Beermen, who he predicted would move through the gears as the match rumbled on:

Initially, that looked to be the case, as they opened up a six-point lead over the Aces. But with Abueva in inspired form, as noted by journalist Paul Mata, the Alaska side were able to haul themselves back into contention:

The Beermen rotated their ranks much more astutely in the final quarter, however, and eventually, their superior class shone through, with David Semerad's late injection of impetus from the bench proving to be vital to his side's cause.

After being 2-1 down in the series, Austria's side will be desperate to keep their noses in front. Looking ahead, they will be desperate to clinch the series when the two meet on Sunday for what will surely be a breathless sixth match of this marvellous seven-game series.