Alaska import Henry Walker (light) vs LA Tenorio(dark). PBA photo
MANILA, Philippines — Alaska ran roughshod over Ginebra, 78-66, Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena to clinch a quarterfinals berth in the 2014 PBA Govenors’ Cup.
The Aces pulled away for good in the fourth quarter and led by as many as 21 points, 78-57, after breaking up the Kings’ third quarter comeback.
“I thought they were tired. Wednesday night was an intense game. The longer rest we had showed today,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton of Ginebra.
The Kings came out firing after the intermission with an 13-2 run that tied the game at 38, then later on took the lead at 44-42.
But the Aces quickly recovered with a 6-0 run and never trailed again.
“Ginebra had a good run in the second half. They dug deep though they were tired. But I’m really proud of our guys that they came back and bounced back,” Compton said.
Henry Walker had 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists for Alaska, Calvin Abueva added 14 points, Gabby Espinas had 13 while three more others had eight each.
Alaska improved to 4-4 as it completed the quarterfinals cast of the season-ending conference, eliminating Meralco in the process.
Zach Mason had 21 points and 11 rebounds for Ginebra but only had three in the payoff period while Mark Caguioa added 10 but was scoreless in the final frame.
The loss dented the Kings’ bid for a twice-to-beat edge as they slid to 5-3 but all is not lost as they remain in contention for the bonus, depending on the outcome of the other matches.