Alaska routs Blackwater by 26 points to kick off PBA season
Alaska Aces’ Mike DiGregorio. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Alaska recorded the largest season-opening win in more than two decades when it crushed Blackwater 103-77 in the PBA Philippine Cup opener Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
From a six-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter, the Aces blew the game wide open with a 27-7 run to bury the Bossing and start their season on the right track.
Article continues after this advertisementBlackwater actually managed to keep in step with its foe early in the match before Alaska turned a tie game at 39 to a 14-point advantage with a scathing 32-18 third quarter run.
🎥 Tough leaner from Mike DiGregorio!
88-75 Alaska, 4Q 3:45. #PBAItuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/dP62ytZhvF
— PBA (@pbaconnect) July 16, 2021
The 26-point win was the largest since the start of the 1999 Philippine Cup when Mobiline dismantled Tanduay 90-64.
Article continues after this advertisement“My challenge to the guys was really just to share the ball on offense and to defend the best way we can,” said Aces head coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
“Luckily tonight Mike [Digregorio] stepped up and a lot of the guys really followed the simple game plan we had. So we’re happy for this first step.”
Digregorio finished with 20 points on 4-of-7 shooting from deep and grabbed five rebounds to lead Alaska while Yousef Taha added 16 points and seven boards.
Simon Enciso had a game-high 23 points to lead the Bossing.
