GlobalPort vs Alaska. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Alaska frustrated GlobalPort and gutted out an 82-69 Game 3 victory to take a 2-1 series lead in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Vic Manuel powered the Aces to a 19-4 in the payoff period to build a double-digit gap, 73-60, from the Batang Pier, who fought back from an early deficit and even took the lead 57-54 entering the fourth.
To make matters worse, GlobalPort lost its main gunner Terrence Romeo after the spitfire guard was ejected at the 6:37 mark of the fourth for incurring his second technical foul of the game after he bumped RJ Jazul on a deadball situation.
Rico Maierhofer also fouled out at the 4:09 mark, putting a dent on the already thin Batang Pier frontline in the clutch.
“I know it’s a long way to go so it doesn’t mean that the series is over. It’s not even close,” said coach Alex Compton after taking Game 3.
“We’re up one game against arguably the most explosive team in the league. There’s no way we could be content. We’re not there yet.”
The Aces established an early 13-point edge, 26-13, in a low-scoring first frame but the Batang Pier managed to craw back into contention.
Manuel eviscerated the GlobalPort frontline with 16 points and five rebounds, while Jazul got 12 markers, nine boards, and four assists.
Chris Banchero also had 10 points and four rebounds, and JVee Casio wound up with 10 in the win.
Calvin Abueva silently made his mark for Alaska with nine points and 15 rebounds.
Game 4 is on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Romeo was limited to his lowest production in the series, finishing with only 17 points in the defeat.
Stanley Pringle tallied a double-double of 12 markers and 12 rebounds, while Doug Kramer had 11 markers and nine boards.
