McKay explodes for 42 as Phoenix bests Alaska

Jameel McKay gets a rebound. PBA IMAGES

Jameel McKay put up a workmanlike effort to carry Phoenix to a 94-86 win over Alaska that snapped a two-game losing skid in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

McKay already put up 24 points and 17 rebounds in the first half, but still did not slow down after the intermission to finish with a monster line of 42 points and 22 boards. He also had two steals and two blocks with only two turnovers.

“Jameel is getting better every time. We know how to play with him. He’s our go to go. He plays defense. He goes hard every time,” said head coach Ariel Vanguardia.

The Fuel Masters, who improved to 3-4, had the lead for the majority of the game, but had to constantly fend off efforts from Alaska to take over the game.

The Aces tied it at 42 early into the third quarter but Phoenix used a 9-2 run to regain distance anew. The closest the last year’s finalist could get after that was within two.

Cyrus Baguio and RJ Jazul logged in quality numbers against their former team with Baguio contributing 12 points and six rebounds and Jazul adding 10 points and eight assists.

“I met with Cyrus and RJ the other day. They’re just too nice every time they play against Alaska. We’re too nice. Today, they stepped up.”

The Aces, who dropped their second straight assignment, played with Calvin Abueva who is still nursing a busted lip.

Cory Jefferson wound up with 31 points and 13 boards in a losing effort for Alaska.

The scores:

PHOENIX 94 – McKay 42, Baguio 12, Jazul 10, Wright 7, Borboran 7, Kramer 6, Alolino 5, Miranda 5, Torres 0, Dehesa 0.

ALASKA 86 – Jefferson 31, Casio 14, Thoss 8, Exciminiano 6, Racal 6, Mendoza 6, Enciso 5, Cruz 3, Dela Cruz 3, Hontiveros 2, Andrada 2, Pascual 0.

Quarterscores: 25-19, 42-36, 66-62, 94-86.