Alaska blasts Talk N’ Text in top rookies’ debut

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Alaska just showed Talk N’ Text that nabbing the top two picks of the recent draft does not guarantee anything.

Leaning on a balanced effort, the Aces overwhelmed the Texters, 114-98, for their opening win in the 2016 Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Talk N’ Text held a 6-0 lead to start the game, but that was last the Texteds would be in the front seat as Alaska waxed hot and stretched the gap to as big as 21.

“That (win) was because I’m blessed with a tremendous coaching staff and I think Fred (Uytengsu) knows that,” said coach Alex Compton, who showed no signs of fatigue after wrapping up his deputy role with Gilas Pilipinas. “The guys played with a lot of energy and credit that to coach Louie (Alas), coach Jeff (Cariaso), and the other guys. We had contribution all around.”

Vic Manuel topped Alaska with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field while hauling down 10 rebounds.

JVee Casio and Sonny Thoss both had 17 markers while Calvin Abueva got 15 in the easy victory.

Ranidel de Ocampo led TNT with 26 points and 15 rebounds, but the two rookies, Mo Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, both had a dismal debut as they only combined for six points and five boards.

The Scores:

ALASKA 114 – Manuel 22, Casio 17, Thoss 17, Abueva 15, Banchero 14, Baguio 8, Baclao 6, Hontiveros 6, Jazul 4, Exciminiano 3, Dela Rosa 2, Dela Cruz 0, Magat 0.

TNT 98 – De Ocampo 26, Castro 19, Fonacier 15, R. Reyes 9, Rosser 7, Carey 6, J. Reyes 5, Rosario 4, Aban 3, Miranda 2, Tautuaa 2, Ababou 0, Rodriguez 0.

Quarters: 30-18, 62-46, 89-73, 114-98.