Aces beat Elite to get share of tourney lead
THE Alaska Aces made it two wins in as many games in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association ( PBA) Commissioner’s Cup after defeating the Blackwater Elite, 109- 95, yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Drawing contributions from a variety of sources, the Aces followed up on their victory in their debut in the mid-season tournament last Saturday to improve to 2-0 and join defending champions Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the top of the standings early in the conference.
The Aces got off fast in the contest, building a 12- 3 lead in the first three minutes of the opening quarter. Blackwater countered though, going on an 11- 2 run to tie the knot, 14- all, at the halfway point of the canto.
Both teams went back and forth after, before Alaska made a late push to grab the advantage at the end of the first quarter, 27- 23.
Alaska opened the second quarter with an 11- 6 blitz to extend their lead to nine points, 38- 29, with 8: 52 left.
Like in the first quarter though, Blackwater would make a move back, reducing its deficit to five points, 40- 35, with over five minutes remaining in the period.
The Aces regained their footing and finished strong to pad their lead anew by halftime, 52- 43.
JACKED- UP ATTACK
Alaska would jack up its attack in the third period, with import Cory Jefferson pacing the team, en route to building its biggest lead in the game of 21 points, 72- 51, midway into the quarter.
The Elite, behind Reil Cervantes, Michael Digregorio and import Greg Smith, would slice their deficit as the third canto drew to a close, 80- 68.
Mindful not to let the game slip away from them, the Elite came out firing in the payoff period, cutting further the Aces’ lead to just seven, 86-79, in the first three minutes.
Their run would be stymied when Mr. Smith fouled out of the g ame with still more than seven minutes left.
Alaska immediately capitalized on the opportunity afforded them, distancing itself from its opponent and moved on to secure the win.
Mr. Jefferson led the Aces with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Rookie Carl Bryan Cruz finished with 15 points, Chris Exciminiano had 13 and Sonny Thoss 10 points.
Blackwater ( 0- 2) had Mr. Cervantes leading it with 21 points. Mr. Smith had a double- double of 14 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out.
“I have a good team and I’m very comfortable playing for it. Everybody is helping each other and it makes it easier for us to execute our game,” said Mr. Jefferson after their win. —