Alaska clinched at least a playoff game for the second automatic semifinal seat with a shaky 85-77 win over Sta. Lucia Realty Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Veteran guard Jeffrey Cariaso had his productive game in a while with 13 points, all in the second half, to cover up an anemic performance from 2-time MVP Willie Miller to lead the Aces to their 12th win against 3 losses.

Joe Devance led Alaska with 17 points but it was Cariaso's steady performance in the second half and LA Tenorio's efficient quarterbacking that allowed the Aces to come back in the game and end a 2-game slide.

The win shut the door on the automatic semis bids of the Realtors and Talk ‘N Text.

Sta. Lucia was trailing 72-79 when Kelly Williams banged in a three-pointer that started a mini 5-0 run to close the gap at 77-79 with 53.1 seconds left.

But Devance scored on the next play on Miller's pass and the Realtors came out empty handed in their next two possessions that resulted to Tenorio's four free throws to seal the win for Alaska.

Williams paced the Realtors with 14 points and 14 rebounds. They dropped to 9-7. Joseph Yeo and Ryan Reyes also had 14 points apiece for coach Boyet Fernandez. - www.abs-cbnnews.com

Scores:

Alaska 85 - De Vance 17, Tenorio 15, Cariaso 13, Hugnatan 12, Thoss 10, Fonacier 6, Miller 6, Borboran 5, Burtscher 1, Dela Cruz 0.

Sta. Lucia 77 - Williams 14, Reyes 14, Yeo 14, Omolon 12, Espinas 6, Aquino 6, Pacana 5, Urbiztondo 2, Jaime 2, Misolas 2, Daa 0.

Quarterscores: 11-14, 33-22, 60-60, 85-77