Alaska blasts NLEX to secure playoff berth

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Alaska secured its spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs with a 100-85 stoppage of NLEX Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Aces improved to 6-5 putting them at a three-way tie with Meralco and Mahindra for the fourth seed while the Road Warriors slipped to 5-6 amid the thrilling playoff race.

Alaska raced to an early 15-point lead, 52-37, at the half but the Aces managed to keep their distance as head coach Alex Compton and his assistant Jeff Cariaso preached caution of a possible NLEX comeback.

“Coach Jeff pointed out NLEX has been down before but they don’t give up, we knew they were gonna make a run,” said Compton. “And I appreciate the heart of the guys for continuing to defend until the end.”

NLEX managed to cut the lead to single digits, 68-60, in the third but a LaDontae Henton’s fastbreak dunk capped off a 7-2 run to push Alaska’s lead to 75-62 with less than a minute remaining in the penultimate period.

Alaska then pushed the envelope further in the fourth going on a 14-6 sprint to distance itself from NLEX, 89-76.

Henton led Alaska with 27 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks while RJ Jazul added 14 points, six assists, and three steals and the returning Vic Manuel had 13 points for his efforts.

Calvin Abueva and Sonny Thoss each produced their own double-doubles with the Beast going for 10 points and 11 boards and the Boss putting up 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Henry Walker had 29 points and 10 boards for NLEX who missed Garvo Lanete due to fever.