Road Warriors snap Aces’ three-game streak

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX blocked Alaska’s path to a fourth straight victory and sent the Aces reeling to a 106-89 defeat yesterday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

With Kevin Alas leading a three-point party in the first period, the Road Warriors seized an early 21-point tear and kept their foot firmly on the pedal to cruise to back-to-back wins and a quarterfinals-assuring 6-3 card overall.

While snapping the emotional three-game run of the soon-to-disband Aces (5-3), the Road Warriors also effectively dislodged their preys from No. 3 position in the standings.

“We wanted to win this game to assure ourselves of making it to the quarterfinals. Yan ang unang goal namin, makarating sa playoffs, and with two games left, we’ll see how far we can go (in race for Top 4 and twice-to-beat),” said coach Yeng Guiao.

KJ McDaniels banged in 27 markers and 11 rebounds and got major support from Jericho Cruz (21) and Alas (19).

Alas got things started with his 15-point outburst spiked by three treys in the first quarter, sparking NLEX’ early seven-triple spree that set the Road Warriors off to a roaring start. For his part, Cruz shot 15 in the second half to help quell Alaska’s rallies.

“Coming into this game, we knew inspired maglaro ang Alaska and magiging extra motivated sila. The coaches kept on reminding us of this and how strong Alaska is. And thank God, we got this good win,” said Alas.

Guiao said the Road Warriors touched things off in Antipolo the way they really intended it.

“Since our loss to Phoenix, where we started badly, it’s been our battlecry to start well, especially on defense. We were really focused on that considering whenever we have a good start, we always have a good game,” said Guiao.

Abu Tratter led the way with 17 for the Aces as import Olu Ashaolu managed only 14 and Jeron Teng, after his 30-point explosion in their come-from-behind 102-97 win over Terrafirma last Saturday, finished with nine.

Cruz rose to the occasion for NLEX in the absence of injured teammates Tony Semerad, Calvin Oftana and Mike Miranda.

“He’s been consistent the last few game. We certainly needed him today - his offense, his energy, his ability to lead. Medyo nakahabol ang Alaska, but dalawang three-points ang ginawa niya so pinatay niya yung apoy, Nakatulong siya ng malaki,” said Guiao.

Later, San Miguel Beer dispatched Phoenix, 104-99, to catch up with Alaska at No. 4 with 5-3. The Fuel Masters fell to a two-game skid for 4-4.

Orlando Johnson, businesslike amid talks of Shabazz Muhammad taking his spot, submitted 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks as SMB made it two in a row. Vic Manuel, getting the start against his former team, punched in 22 with nine boards while Marcio Lassiter (18) and June Mar Fajardo (13 markers, 11 boards) chipped in twin digits off the bench.

Meanwhile, pacesetting Magnolia seeks to stretch its unbeaten run to seven games as it battles NorthPort (1-5) in today’s main game also at the Ynares Center.

The Hotshots look to stay hot in the 6 p.m. encounter with a Batang Pier squad determined to slay another giant after its massive 109-98 upset over second-running Meralco a week ago.

The Bolts (5-1) have since regained their winning ways at the expense of Rain or Shine, 93-88, last Sunday and now target a follow-up versus Terrafirma (2-5) in the 3 p.m. curtain-raiser.