Cory Jefferson. PBA IMAGES
Cory Jefferson had a rousing PBA debut and Alaska whipped a GlobalPort side missing its best player in Terrence Romeo, 107-79, in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday night at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Jefferson was just brought in on Thursday but he didn’t seem to need much time to get himself accustomed to the Aces’ system with 28 points and 14 rebounds in less than 28 minutes of action.
“How many points was our win? 28? And how many points does Terrence Romeo average? 28?” Alaska head coach Alex Compton asked reporters. “The best scorer in the league didn’t play so that has an impact on the game.”
“It’s still a long way to go but it’s a good start for us,” Compton said.
Romeo’s absence due to an unspecified illness was greatly felt and the Batang Pier’s lack of firepower showed early.
The Aces, who were missing four key players in JVee Casio, Dondon Hontiveros, Carl Bryan Cruz and Vic Manuel due to injuries, were still too much for the Batang Pier with Jefferson and Calvin Abueva leading the way.
Jefferson already had 17 points by halftime where Alaska took a 59-42 lead. The Aces pushed their lead to 23 after three quarters and led by as much as 29.
“We liked him (Jefferson) even before he wasn’t available,” Compton said. “I think he’s pretty good. He seems like a good fit to Alaska.”
Stanley Pringle and import Sean Williams had to carry much of the load for Batang Pier, who turned the ball over 27 times.
Pringle finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals but had seven turnovers while Williams posted 18 points and 19 rebounds.