Alaska ousts San Miguel, barges into PBA semis

Alaska lowered the curtains on the season of powerhouse San Miguel Beer, hammering out a 96-85 victory with a virtuoso defensive performance in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday night.

The Aces thus ended a run of playoff futility against the Beermen, who exited on the wings of disappointment after winning the Philippine Cup this season.

Many had touted the Beermen to at least contend for all three titles this season after their powerhouse core got boosted with the arrival of top overall pick Christian Standhardinger.

But after a runner-up finish to Barangay Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup, the Beermen wobbled early and faced an Alaska squad that owned a twice-to-beat incentive which the Aces did not have to use.

Leading Best Import candidate Mike Harris finished with 25 points and 17 rebounds for Alaska, which faces the winner of the Meralco-Phoenix series.

Simon Encisco added 15 points while Vic Manuel had 14 points and six boards. – INQUIRER SPORTS