Aces storm back, pound Slaughter-less Gin Kings
Alaska Aces' Sonny Thoss makes his way in the paint | PBA Media
MANILA, Philippines — Alaska mounted a furious second half to frustrate crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra, 97-83, in the nightcap of the PBA Sunday skirmish at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
Leaning on pressure defense, the Aces clawed their way back from a four-point hole and never let their foot off the pedal.
Veterans Vic Manuel and Sonny Thoss combined for 35 points to lead the charge. Alaska’s backcourt tandem of Chris Banchero and JVee Casio poured a total of 27 points to help the Aces' cause.
"We weren't playing well in the first half. The second half, I thought we settled down and [became] us,” head coach Alex Compton said.
"They're missing two of their No. 1 picks,” he was quick to note. “There’s that small person named Greg Slaughter who didn't play and clearly he had an impact on the game. Joe Devance has established himself in the league, a 6-7 vet who knows how to win."
"I was glad to come away with the win. Sometimes sa liga natin, we have to take advantage of opportunities coming your way,” Compton added.
Alaska moves up in in the Philippine Cap ladder with a 3-2 card, good for third place. The join TNT KaTropa, who won over Meralco in the earlier game.
Meanwhile, the Gin Kings dropped to 2-2.
The Scores:
ALASKA 97 — Manuel 18, Thoss 17, Banchero 14, Casio 13, Abueva 9, Teng 9, Cruz 5, Enciso 3, Potts 3, Exciminiano 2, Magat 2, Racal 2, J. Pascual 0.
GINEBRA 83 — Mariano 15, J. Aguilar 12, Ferrer 12, Thompson 12, Caguioa 8, Cruz 8, R. Aguilar 5, Tenorio 5, Mercado 2, Taha 2, Wilson 2, Jamito 0.
Quarters: 26-23, 36-44, 73-63, 97-83.
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