Alaska Aces race to sixth victory in a row
THE hot streak by the Alaska Aces in the PBA Philippine Cup continued yesterday after they raced to their sixth victory in a row with a win over the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 105-98, in overtime at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Using a stepped-up fight in the fourth period, the Aces clawed their way back and put themselves in a position to steal the win which they eventually consummated to fortify their spot in the top three of the standings of the season-opening tournament of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
GlobalPort waxed hot to start the contest, outscoring Alaska, 10-0, in the first two and a half minutes of the first quarter.
The Aces though would make the necessary adjustments to stop the lead from widening, going on an 11-2 run to come within one point, 12-11, at the 6:08 mark of the opening canto.
The Batang Pier continued to hold sway the rest of the period as Jonathan Grey and Kelly Nabong took the cudgels for their team, which held a 26-20 advantage in the end.
In the second period, it was Alaska’s turn to go on a strong push, 10-6, led by Vic Manuel, to claim the upper hand, 30-26, five minutes into the frame.
GlobalPort answered back to tie the count at 31- all with 5:39 remaining, which it would steadily build on and use to establish a 48-43 advantage by the halftime break.
The nip- and- tuck affair remained in the third canto with the protagonists hardly budging against one another early on, making runs and counterruns.
The Batang Pier held a 56-52 lead midway after which they soared, 19- 13, to go up, 75- 65, heading into the final 12 minutes.
Employing a full-court press to begin the payoff quarter, Alaska got GlobalPort rattled.
JVee Casio and Jeron Teng towed the Aces within three points, 82-79, with 6:30 to go.
Bradwyn Guinto snapped the drought for GlobalPort with a free throw and gave them more breathing space. Teammate Stanley Pringle added another two to take their lead back to six points, 85-79, at the 5: 44 mark.
Alaska guard Chris Banchero hit a triple to narrow the gap only to be answered back by Mr. Nabong moments later.
Mr. Banchero willed his way to an and-one play to push Alaska to within three points anew, 88-85, with four minutes to play.
Alaska was able to tie the count at 88- all after Mr. Casio drained a three- pointer. Calvin Abueva then hit an under- goal stab to give the Aces the lead, 9088, with 2:23 remaining.
Mr. Pringle gave back the lead to GlobalPort, 91-90, with a long three-pointer a little over a minute left in the contest.
Kevin Racal scored underneath the goal to help Alaska go up anew, 92-91.
Mr. Nabong had a chance to give the upper hand to Batang Pier but he missed a wide-open shot near the basket with 37 seconds to go.
Alaska set up a play to extend their lead and got it after Mr. Abueva split a free throw with 18 seconds remaining, 93-91.
GlobalPort tied the count at 93-all with eight ticks left after a Pringle basket.
The Aces seized for time to plot a game- winning play but failed to get one as the game went to overtime.
In the extra period, Alaska maintained a slim two- point cushion, 98-96, entering the last two minutes.
Mr. Manuel added on it when he scored against Mr. Nabong to push Alaska ahead, 100-96, with 1:47 left to play.
The Batang Pier tried to fashion out a comeback but the Aces would hold on the rest of the way to book the conference-best sixth straight win.
Mr. Manuel led Alaska with 19 points with Messrs. Casio and Banchero each adding 16 points.
Mr. Abueva had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
GlobalPort, meanwhile, was paced by Mr. Pringle with 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Sean Anthony added 21 points and 14 rebounds and Mr. Nabong had 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Alaska ( 6- 2) next plays the NLEX Road Warriors on Feb. 11 while GlobalPort (3-4) clashes on Feb. 14 with the TNT KaTropa.