Alaska Aces vs GlobalPort Batang Pier. PBA IMAGES
Going back to basics, Alaska fired on all cylinders to gain separation from GlobalPort, 133-106, Wednesday in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
It was an all-out assault for the Aces, who were coming off a 10-day break, with import LaDontae Henton leading the ship with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists.
Calvin Abueva also went for 21 markers, eight boards, three dimes, and two blocks, while Chris Banchero came off the bench and proved to be the spark plug for Alaska with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Sonny Thoss and JVee Casio both wound up with 13 markers each in the win.
The victory puts the Aces at a seventh place tie with NLEX and Rain or Shine at 4-5.
Though the guady scoring may catch people’s attention, Alex Compton gave more credit to his team’s defense.
“What we talked about all week was defense, defense, and defense,” he said. “Sa akin, maganda ang depensa namin. Pero playoffs na ito at kailangan pa naming dumepensa ng maayos.”
Alaska greatly outrebounded GlobalPort, 53-37, while also clicking on offense with its 55-point shooting as it cruised to the 27-point blowout.
Terrence Romeo paced GlobalPort (3-6) with 26 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while reinforcement Mike Glover got 25 markers and five boards.
The Scores:
ALASKA 133 – Henton 33, Abueva 21, Banchero 20, Casio 13, Thoss 13, Jazul 10, Baclao 6, Galliguez 6, Racal 6, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 2, Hontiveros 1, Magat 0.
GLOBALPORT 106 – Romeo 26, Glover 25, Pringle 20, Yeo 11, Semerad 9, Washington 6, Taha 5, Mamaril 4, Dehesa 0, Fortuna 0, Kramer 0, Paredes 0.
Quarters: 29-25, 57-48, 95-84, 133-106.