Alaska snaps skid after win over Blackwater as PBA returns after All-Star break

Damian James of Alaska (light) vs Eddie Laure of Blackwater (dark).

MANILA, Philippines — Import Damion James recorded 29 points and 22 rebounds and Alaska snapped a three-game losing skid with an 82-68 win over Blackwater Wednesday at the resumption of the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

James notched his first win in the PBA after losing in his first three appearances since replacing DJ Covington in the middle of the conference.

The Aces bucked the absence of their starting guard JVee Casio and improved to 3-5 while sending the Elite back at the losing end.

Casio sat the game out with a broken nose. The former De La Salle University star underwent surgery to repair the bridge of his nose after it got hit inadvertently by Kia guard LA Revilla’s elbow last week  in the 103-89 loss by the Aces.

READ: Kia strikes anew, crushes Alaska

Rookie Chris Banchero and Ping Exciminiano added 12 and 10 points, respectively for Alaska. Veteran swingman Dondon Hontiveros scored nine points in his return.

Marcus Douthit had 21 points and 15 rebounds for Blackwater, which dropped t0 2-7.