Aces gang up on Batang Pier, share lead
Four starters and four reserves hit double-digit outputs in a remarkable balanced attack Alaska Milk used to stop the streaking Globalport, 123-104, and regain a share of the lead in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
First stringers Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, Eric Menk and Jvee Casio combined for 53 points while Vic Manuel, Chris Banchero, RJ Jazul and Calvin Abueva came off the bench to deliver an even bigger production with 55 as they overwhelmed the Batang Pier despite a 33-point explosion from Terrence Romeo.
The Aces also put in a balanced effort on other fronts, even on the defensive end, as they got back on the winning track coming from a two-week rest after a loss to Barangay Ginebra in Dubai.
Alaska thus caught up with San Miguel Beer in the lead at 4-1 while handing Globalport a first loss in its last four games and only its second in five matches in all.
Later in the night, NLEX forged a four-way tie at fourth place with Talk n Text, Globalport and Barako Bull at 3-2 on a mind-boggling come-frombehind 107-101 win over the Tropang Texters.
Sean Anthony came through with a career-high 32 points on top of 12 rebounds, Asi Taulava piled up 18 points and the same number of rebounds with Simon Enciso and Jonas Villanueva providing support as the Road Warriors pulled a first one ever over the Texters.
“It’s a character test for us coming from two straight losses. I’m so glad we pulled through for our first win over TNT,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine, beaten by Globalport the last time out, also tries to be back in the lead as it tangles with Blackwater in a Petron Blaze Saturday Special at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Star Hotshots (2-3) and the Meralco Bolts (0-5) are out to ease the pressure as they clash in the 5:15 p.m. mainer after the 3 p.m. tiff between the Elasto Painters (3-1) and the Elite (1-3).
Alaska coach Alex Compton did cite their balanced game and team effort on the defensive end as they snapped the Batang Pier’s three-game streak.
“Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle are awesome players. We attacked them in pretty much part of the game in an effort to get them into foul trouble. We cut one Globalport hand off as we got Stanley in foul problem,” said Compton.
“We’re trying to figure out how to handle them, knowing not one defender can stop them. It really has to be a team effort,” Compton also said.
As Pringle picked up four fouls in the first half, the Fil-Am guard played cut-down minutes and scored only 16 points, seven below his norm.
NOTES: In a week’s time, Ranidel de Ocampo will already show up in Talk n Text’s practice sessions. “He’s now okay. His recovery is quick as he diligently undergoes therapy three times a week right in his home,” said team manager Virgil Villavicencio. De Ocampo has played only one game in the season as he suffered a back injury in a freak accident during weight training. The scores: First Game ALASKA 123 – Baguio 17, Manuel 16, Banchero 14, Jazul 14, Thoss 14, Menk 12, Abueva 11, Casio 10, Baclao 4, Dela Rosa 4, Hontiveros 4, Dela Cruz 3, Exciminiano 0, Racal 0.
GLOBALPORT 104 – Romeo 33, Pringle 16, Mamaril 13, Kramer 11, Maierhofer 10, Uyloan 6, Washington 6, Yeo 5, Jensen 2, Sumang 2, Paniamogan 0, Taha 0. Quarterscores: 34-25, 60-50, 94-78, 123-104 Second Game NLEX 107 – Anthony 32, Enciso 19, Taulava 18, Villanueva J. 10, Khobuntin 7, Camson 4, Reyes 4, Alas 3, Borboran 3, Lanete 3, Apinan 2, Cardona 2.
TALK N’ TEXT 101 – Rosario 20, Fonacier 18, Seigle 17, Castro 15, Tautuaa 11, Carey 6, Rosser 6, Reyes R. 6, Williams 2, Aban 0, Miranda 0, Reyes J. 0.
Quarterscores: 21-26, 44-49, 70-77, 107-101