Aces grab last q’final berth | Inquirer Sports

Aces grab last q’final berth

Cone hopes to turn fotunes around as Ginebra battles fierce rival in quarters
/ 05:35 AM July 20, 2019

Chris Banchero pba alaska

Chris Banchero helps send the Aces into the quarterfinals with a clutch performance against Meralco. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It was a game that featured teams alternating big shots with big stops, two squads that fought hard until the end, never mind if winning meant going up against the tournament’s best squad where the chances of survival are slim to none.

Chris Banchero buried a tough, clutch basket to force overtime while Jeron Teng beat a path to an uncontested put-back as Alaska hammered out a 108-103 victory over Meralco in a do-or-die match Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.

Article continues after this advertisement

Vic Manuel also hit big shots for the Aces, finishing with 23 points. Banchero, who had 15 points, hit the last five points in regulation to force the extra period while Teng’s follow-up gave the Aces cushion they needed to hold off the stubborn Bolts.

FEATURED STORIES

“I think we gave the PBA fans their first taste of [this conference’s] playoff basketball,” Alex Compton said after the game where neither team surrendered an inch.

The prize, though, for going toe-to-toe with a Bolts crew that had its share of huge baskets and defensive plays? A showdown with No. 1 seed TNT KaTropa, which owns twice-to-beat protection in the quarterfinals.

Article continues after this advertisement

But the prospects of a tough outing in the first round of the playoffs did not dampen Compton’s mood. At least, not yet.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I’m gonna go back to a happy locker room for the first time in a month,” said Compton, whose wards were on a five-game losing slide entering the knockout match.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meralco, meanwhile, forced the playoff for the No. 8 seed with a huge upset of San Miguel Beer at the end of the Bolts’ elimination round campaign.

The quarterfinals get going on Saturday and Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone believes a reversal of fortunes is in order as the Gin Kings prepare to face a very familiar foe.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We’ve beaten them in the eliminations, only to fall short against them in the playoffs,” Cone said of Magnolia, who the Kings play in the nightcap of a quarterfinal doubleheader at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

“We need to change that narrative this time around,” he said. “We need to lift our game.”

In the other pairing, youthful Blackwater looks to further build on an already impressive run this conference.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“We have to execute our game plan [by the book],” Elite coach Aris Dimaunahan told the Inquirer on Friday afternoon, shortly after polishing his preparations against Rain or Shine. The two teams clash in the 4:30 p.m. curtain-raiser.

TAGS: Alaska Aces, Chris Banchero, Meralco Bolts, PBA Commissioner's Cup

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.