Alaska Aces. PHOTO by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Alaska survived a late rally from Mahindra for a 98-94 win on Friday (early Saturday Manila time) at Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai to stay undefeated after three games in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup.
Vic Manuel led the Aces with 17 points, 12 coming in the first half, that went along with nine rebounds while Calvin Abueva finished with a double-double in tune of 15 markers and 13 rebounds off the bench. JVee Casio also had 12 in the victory.
After Alaska led by as much as 15 in the first half, Mahindra engaged in a rough-and-tumble affair in the final two quarters which saw both teams commit 60 turnovers combined.
The Enforcers came back and even tied the game at 87 with 1:27 left in the game after a fadeaway from Aldrech Ramos, but timely hits from Casio, Abueva, and Manuel allowed the Aces to erect an all-important five-point spread coming into the final 30 seconds.
LA Revilla, however, wouldn’t let Mahindra go down without a fight as he still brought the Enforcers back within two, 96-94, in the last five seconds, before Casio and Abueva iced the game for Alaska from the charity stripe.
Alaska will now stake its immaculate 3-0 slate against Ginebra in less than 24 hours in the same venue to wrap up the league’s trip to the United Arab Emirates.
Revilla paced the valiant effort from the Mahindra crew with 19 points and six assists while Mark Yee, who sparked the third quarter comeback, wound up with 17 markers and 13 rebounds.
Enforcers playing coach Manny Pacquiao started the game for Mahindra, but went scoreless in his four attempts in 6:55 minutes of action.
The Scores:
ALASKA 98 – Manuel 17, Abueva 15, Casio 12, Baguio 8, Thoss 7, Dela Rosa 7, Menk 7, Dela Cruz 6, Hontiveros 6, Jazul 5, Banchero 4, Magat 4, Baclao 0, Exciminiano 0.
MAHINDRA 94 – Revilla 19, Yee 17, Canaleta 12, Ramos 12, Bagatsing 8, Guinto 6, Pinto 5, Paredes 5, Laure 4, Hubalde 4, Webb 2, Pacquiao 0, Baloria 0, Alvarez 0.
Quarters: 31-22, 53-40, 70-66, 98-94.