Alaska Aces’ Robbie Herndon. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Robbie Herndon hit the go-ahead basket as Alaska staved off NorthPort, 87-85, at the start of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Herndon nailed a tough jumper to put the Aces back in the driver’s seat, 86-85, with 30 seconds left.
“Robbie has a knack of being able to score at the end of the shot clock and even at the even of the game so you wanna put the ball in his hands,” said Aces head coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
Olu Ashaolu notched a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Aces, who blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
30.1 4q Aces regain the upperhand! Herndon jumper!#PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/U3RN0BAzzq
— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 8, 2021
Jeron Teng added 19 points, including a free throw with six seconds to go that gave Alaska a two-point edge.
Batang Pier guard Robert Bolick misfired on a potential game-winning triple as time ran out.
Herndon finished with 13 points and three steals.
Arwind Santos scored a game-high 23 points in his debut for NorthPort after being traded by San Miguel Beer.
The Batang Pier lost despite drawing double-doubles from Cameron Forte and Greg Slaughter.
Forte had 18 points and 15 rebounds while Slaughter also had 18 on top of 11 rebounds and three blocks. Slaughter put Northport ahead, 85-84, with 39 ticks remaining.