Aces hold off Elite, gain 4th win
Veteran guard Jvee Casio came through with a big hustle play to grab a crucial possession leading to a dagger trey by rookie Jeron Teng as the Aces improved their card in the top three at 4-2. File
Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Meralco vs GlobalPort
6:45 p.m. – San Miguel vs Ginebra
MANILA, Philippines — Calvin Abueva came in only to ask permission that he be excused, but Alaska Milk never lacked guys picking up the slack in thwarting Blackwater, 88-84, for a fourth straight win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Veteran guard Jvee Casio came through with a big hustle play to grab a crucial possession leading to a dagger trey by rookie Jeron Teng as the Aces improved their card in the top three at 4-2.
Vic Manuel, Chris Banchero and Kevin Racal also essayed important roles as Alaska weathered Blackwater’s endgame storm and subsequently handed the Elite a fourth loss against two wins.
“Obviously, we missed Calvin but our guys stepped up in his absence. Obviously, Calvin is special, but we never rely on one guy. That’s why you have a team,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
The Alaska bench chieftain said he allowed Abueva to attend to a personal matter.
“We’re a family-first franchise. I’m not getting in the way if there’s something about a family. Our rule is if something happens to your family, let me know. Same thing with me if there’s anything about my family, I’ll be gone,” Compton said.
But even sans Abueva, the Aces took control of the game early, 34-20, and played well enough to protect the lead to the finish.
In the other game in this Petron Blaze Saturday Special, Magnolia Hotshots shook off the shock of Paul Lee’s bad fall in the third period and warded off the TNT KaTropa Texters, 91-83, for a fifth win in six starts.
“Without Paul, Justin Melton stepped up big. And I have to mention the discipline of our team on defense – our defense in transition and in halfcourt game especially against Jayson Castro and their shooters,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
The scores:
ALASKA 88 – Banchero 16, Manuel 16, Racal 14, Teng 10, Casio 7, Enciso 6, Cruz 5, Baclao 4, Thoss 3, Pascual 3, Magat 2, Exciminiano 2, Potts 0
BLACKWATER 84 – DiGregorio 15, Belo 15, Erram 14, Sumang 10, Maliksi 10, Jose 8, Cortez 5, Sena 5, Cruz 2, Marcelo 0, Javier 0, Pinto 0
Quartercores: 20-16, 43-35, 67-61, 88-84
Second Game
MAGNOLIA 91 – Barroca 20, Melton 14, Sangalang 13, Pingris 13, Jalalon 8, Ramos 7, Reavis 5, Lee 5, Simon 3, Dela Rosa 3, Brondial 0, Herndon 0.
TNT 83 – Tautuaa 16, Rosario 15, Castro 14, Pogoy 11, Torres 7, Williams 7, Semerad 6, Reyes 5, Garcia 2, Carey 0.
Quarterscores: 26-20, 47-45, 74-62, 91-83
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