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.
Blackwater 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.
“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.