!CES ALL THE WAY
Jefferson’s 28 points, 15 boards key Alaska 2-0 start
Import Cory Jefferson is turning out to be a blessing in disguise for the Alaska Aces after posting another double-double yesterday in the 109-95 victory over the Blackwater Elite in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jefferson finished with 28 points and 15 rebounds, showing his workmanlike efforts on both of the ends that enabled the Aces to secure their second straight win and the share of the lead after four playdates in the midseason tournament.
“I think Cory’s a great fit for us because he’s not a ball-dominator. He’s a team player,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
The 6-foot-9 former NBA player for the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns is making everyone on the Aces flash their smiling faces after enduring what Compton described as a telenovela when it came to searching for an import.
Alaska’s original choice was Mal- colm Thomas, but both sides failed to come to terms. They were supposed to parade Octavius Ellis, but went back to the United States to because of a family matter.
But after two games with Jefferson, the Aces believe they had the guy who can take them to the next level.
“I think it helps that they really believe that Cory is a championship-level import, and I believe that too,” Compton said. “I didn’t know what to expect coming in, but I’m happy at this point right now but we definitely have work to do.”
Rookie Carl Bryan Cruz scored 15 points, Ping Exciminiano had 13 points and three steals and Sonny Thoss produced contributed 10 points and seven rebounds for the Aces in their follow-up to Saturday’s 107-79 rout of GlobalPort.
Alaska also forced Blackwater to 22 turnovers, some of which came in the fourth quarter when the Aces went with the fullcourt press the rest of the period, a ploy that the Elite failed to solve.
Scores:
ALASKA 109 – Jefferson 28, Cruz 15, Exciminiano 13, Racal 12, Thoss 10, Abueva 9, Galliguez 7, Pascual 5, Banchero 4, Mendoza 4, Enciso 2.
BLACKWATER 95 – Cervantes 21, Smith 14, Sumang 13, Buenafe 11, Belo 9, DiGregorio 8, Ababou 4, Pascual 4, Sena 4, Aguilar 3, Gamalinda 2, Miranda 2, Pinto 0.
Quarters: 27-23; 52-43; 80-68; 109-95.