Alaska repulses NLEX

ALASKA import LeDontae Henton drives hard against NLEX’s Bill Walker. Henton steered the Aces past the Road Warriors. SHERWIN M. VARDELEON

Ledontae Henton scored 27 points and two locals completed double-doubles as Alaska thumped NLEX, 100-85, to formally make the quarterfinals of the PBA Governors’ Cup at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Calvin Abueva had 11 rebounds and 10 points, and starting center Sonny Thoss finished with 10 and 10 as Alaska closed out with a 6-5 record with its third straight win. Alaska tabbed the No. 6 slot and will play the third-ranked team in the quarterfinals.

The Aces tied Meralco and Mahindra for fourth spot but slid down to sixth because of an inferior quotient.

The Bolts and the Enforcers vie for No. 4 and the last twice-to-beat privilege on Wednesday. League leader TNT KaTropa, hot Barangay Ginebra and defending champion San Miguel Beer have already booked win-once privileges in the quarterfinals.

“I appreciate the heart of the guys,” Alaska coach Alex Compton said, referring to the fact that they knew before the start of the game that they still wouldn’t make it to the playoff for No. 4 even with a win.

Rain or Shine sealed a playoff for No. 8 after a 108-97 rout of Star in the nightcap. ROS plays Phoenix Petroleum for the last playoff berth also on Wednesday.

The Texters and Gin Kings slug it out at 6:45 p.m. tomorrow for the No. 1 rank and the right to play No. 8 in the quarterfinals at Alonte Sports Center in Laguna.

The scores:

First Game

ALASKA 100—Henton 27, Jazul 14, Manuel 13, Thoss 10, Abueva 10, , Casio 7, Racal 6, Banchero 3, Exciminiano 3, Hontiveros 3, Baclao 2, Dela Rosa 2, Magat 0, Dela Cruz 0, Galliguez 0.

NLEX 85—Walker 29, Taulava 14, Anthony 11, Khobuntin 10, Villanueva E. 9, Villanueva J. 4, Akl 3, Arboleda 3, Baracael 2, Alas 0, Camson 0, Monfort 0, Reyes 0, Soyud 0, Lanete 0.

Quarters: 24-19, 52-37, 75-64, 100-85

Second Game

RAIN OR SHINE 108—Dollard 27, Belga 14, Lee 11, Quinahan 10, Chan 9, Cruz 8, Almazan 8, Norwood 8, Ahanmisi 6, Ponferada 4, Tiu 3, Trollano 0.

STAR 97—Wright 27, Simon 15, Sangalang 12, Maliksi 9, Melton 8, Pascual 8, Mallari 6, Garcia 6, Brondial 6, Reavis 0, Barroca 0, Gaco 0.

Quarters: 28-26, 54-41, 80-66, 108-97