Aces sew up playoff bonus
There was so much to be happy about as far as Alaska coach Alex Compton is concerned.
New import Diamon Simpson injected a fresh dose of energy into the Aces with the playoffs just around the corner and rookie Jeron Teng is back on the court in full health.
Simpson gave the Aces a much-needed boost in the 114-91 rout of Phoenix Friday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Cuneta Astrodome.
“I like our energy going into the playoffs,” Compton said after Alaska clinched the other twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
“I’m just happy that we played this way after getting a new import in just a short notice,” Compton added.
Compton was also glad to have Teng back on the court, after the former La Salle star sat out four games to recuperate from a vicious nighttime attack that left him with several knife wounds.
Teng managed to see action Friday night, notching seven points Alaska’s eighth win in 11 outings.
“It’s good to have him back. He recovered very quickly,” Compton said. “Thank God because first, he’s safe and second he’s back on the floor. It’s really nice to see him out there.”
Barangay Ginebra later moved out of the bottom two with a 116-98 dismantling of GlobalPort in the second game.
Justin Brownlee scored 36 points to lead five players in double figures for the Gin Kings.
Ginebra’s victory put a lot of pressure on San Miguel Beer and Magnolia when the two clash in the final day of eliminations on Saturday.
The Beermen and the Hotshots battle in the nightcap of a Petron Saturday Special at Cuneta Astrodome.
Simpson, who replaced Antonio Campbell, had 18 points and 19 rebounds on top of five assists and four blocks but that impressive stat line wasn’t the only ingredient that made Compton proud.
“He’s a team player, a great defender and really smart,” Compton said. “We all like him, he has a nice attitude even in practice.”
Rain or Shine (9-1) has sealed the No. 1 spot and will enjoy the same leverage as Alaska in the playoffs regardless of the outcome of the Elasto Painters’ final elimination-round assignment against the TNT KaTropa on Saturday.
Offensively consistent in most of the games they played, Vic Manuel a lot of the damage again, scoring 28 points on 13 of 18 shooting.
Manuel helped set the tone for the carnage along with Simpson and Chris Banchero as the trio helped propel the Aces to a 17-point lead right in the first quarter.
