Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Armed with a healthy roster for the first time in a long while, Alaska showed what it can do with a complete cast in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Of course, catching “one of the league’s giants” on its first game after a long layoff had its benefits, too.
The Aces, showcasing exquisite teamwork, carved out a wire-to-wire 103-80 victory over conference-debuting Magnolia on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“As happy as I am with the win, I also recognize that was far from [Magnolia’s] strongest punch, that was far from their best,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “So I don’t think more should be made of this game than the situation that we had a month of preseason to prepare and get through stuff.”
“You don’t see another team’s best when they’re coming off a Finals game,” Compton added, referring to the fact that Magnolia was playing its first game since losing the Philippine Cup Finals to San Miguel Beer in seven grueling games.
The Beermen were playing the NorthPort Batang Pier at press time.
But even with the Hotshots at their worst, the Aces deserved a lot of credit in polishing off their third foe in five assignments.
Great passing
Alaska had 31 assists as it stormed out of the gates early and stayed in control until the final buzzer.
Chris Banchero had 11 out of that assist total, even as Chris Daniels went on to lead Alaska with 23 points—18 in the third period.
Skipper JVee Casio tossed in 17 points, Jeron Teng added 12 and guard Simon Enciso chipped in 11 for the Aces.
Vic Manuel, one of the Aces’ main cogs, finally suited up and scored six points on restricted minutes, as Compton said he would ease his hardworking forward back to his regular spot in the rotation.
“I thought our defense was solid, too,” added Compton. “It’s so nice to have a lot of guys sharing the ball, doing such a good job together. It was just a total team effort.”
Ian Sangalang led Magnolia with 17 points and nine rebounds while Mark Barroca added 15 as import John Fields was held to just 12.