The Alaska Aces are moving on to the quarterfinals. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Alaska coach Alex Compton rhapsodized about having been given a chance to even compete for a spot in the playoffs and said he looked to honor the game when they played NLEX.
The Aces did just that, beating the Road Warriors, 88-80, to complete the PBA Philippine Cup’s quarterfinal cast as the 8th seed in Friday night’s action at the MOA Arena in Pasay.
“I think the guys battled [well],” Compton said. “I am so proud of the guys’ effort. All you ask is a chance, we had a chance, we took advantage of it, and now we have one more chance.”
Alaska held NLEX down to just eight points in the second period behind the all-game brilliance of Sonny Thoss, who finished the game with 21 points and five rebounds.
“Our defense was fantastic in the first half. Obviously we’re fortunate to get them after playing Magnolia last Wednesday so we had fresher legs,” Compton noted.
“Sonny’s been awesome this conference. He’s invigorated. He’s turned back the clock this conference,” he said of his old reliable. “I think when his legs are fresh and playing strong like that, he’s a tough matchup for any big man in the league.”
Simon Enciso and Carl Bryan Cruz pumped in 16 points each to help the Aces improve against NLEX, who have beaten them eight times in their last 10 meetings since coach Yeng Guiao assumed the coaching post.
“It has been a tough conference for the both of us. I think NLEX is better than the conference they’ve had. But sometimes the cards are dealt in a certain way. It just happened that our hand was a little bit better,” Compton said.
NLEX drew 16 markers from Kenneth Ighalo, Bong Galanza chimed in 14 more, while JR Quiñiahan and Poy Erram posted 14 and 13, respectively.
The victory may have afforded the Aces—who have had manpower woes and tragic meltdowns during the elimination round—a spot in the quarterfinals, but they will have to go through the eye of the needle once more.
Alaska will be facing twice-to-beat Phoenix Pulse, a series that begins this Sunday at the same venue.
“It’s a steeper, higher mountain,” Compton. “That’s like my second family. Coach Louie? That’s my coach in 1999. Coach Topex? Paulo Bugia used to play for me in Alaska, and he’s their team manager. Jaypee Mendoza? RJ Jazul? And that guy named Calvin Abueva who has pretty big impact on the game.
“That’s extended family right there,” he added. “[But] when the ball goes up, no one’s thinking family … we’d see if we could tape-up some wounds. It’s going to be a challenge.”
The scores:
Alaska 88 – Thoss 21, Enciso 16, Cruz 16, Casio 13, Banchero 4, Baclao 4, Ayaay 4, Racal 3, Exciminiano 3, Teng 2, Potts 2, Pascual 0.
NLEX 80 – Ighalo 16, Galanza 14, Quinahan 13, Erram 10, Paniamogan 8, Magat 7, Rios 5, Baguio 3, Paredes 2, Tiongson 2, Taulava 0, Soyud 0, Tallo 0, Lao 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 44-25, 73-50, 88-80.