Alaska advances to second quarterfinal phase at NLEX expense

Mark Cardona of NLEX (dark) vs Tony Dela Cruz of Alaska (light). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Putting the road stops and putting out their trumps, the Alaska Aces halted the NLEX Road Warriors, 82-78, to advance to the second phase of the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup Thursday evening at the Cuneta Astrodome.

It was all a tense affair even in the final moments when NLEX swingman Marc Cardona scored back-to-back baskets to cut a six-point Alaska lead to just a basket, 80-78, with 12.6 seconds remaining.

With a penchant of thriving in the crucial moments, Alaska guard JVee Casio left Cardona staring at his jersey number and sunk the dagger layup with 10.1 remaining to restore the bubble for the Aces.

Aces head coach Alex Compton said their first playoff matchup was a defensive chess match, with Alaska relying on its defense to take control of games.

“It’s just a defensive battle,” Compton said. “The biggest thing for me is their 78 points because that’s a good offensive team.”

Alaska had control of the match as early as the first half with a 38-24 lead in the second quarter but the trio of Asi Taulava, Aldrech Ramos and Rudy Lingganay revved up their motors and knotted the score at 69 apiece.

Vic Manuel led Alaska with an all-around effort of 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Cyrus Baguio and Casio had 11 apiece while Dondon Hontiveros shot for 10.

Ramos led all scorers with 17 points to go along with six rebounds while Mark Borboran chipped in 13 points and six boards.

Cardona and Lingganay had 12 and 11 points respectively.

ALASKA 82 – Manuel 13, Baguio 11, Casio 11, Hontiveros 10, Menk 8, Dela Cruz 8, Banchero 6, Thoss 6, Abueva 5, Dela Rosa 2, Jazul 2, Eman 0, Exciminiano 0.

NLEX 78 – Ramos 17, Borboran 13, Cardona 12, Lingganay 11, Taulava 10, Camson 6, Canaleta 5, Raymundo 2, Villanueva E. 2, Villanueva J. 0, Arboleda H. 0, Apinan 0, Arboleda W. 0, Baloria 0.

Quarterscores: 26-17, 49-38, 63-58, 82-78