Jeron Teng of the Alaska Aces goes for a shot against Joshua Munzon of the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Governors’ Cup. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Alaska showed its grit as it came back from 20 points down to stop Terrafirma, 102-97, for its third straight win in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces improved to 5-2 to stay in the third spot while the Dyip slipped to 2-5 for the 10th seed.
Alaska stared at an 81-61 deficit with 1:59 left in the third but it came roaring back in the fourth, outscoring the Dyip 36-14 in the final quarter.
Jeron Teng notched a floater to cap off the Aces’ torrid 30-7 run for a 99-94 lead with 1:06 to play.
2:35 4q For the lead!!! Teng! 95-94 Alaska. #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/HpuY0aEMnF
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 19, 2022
Aces head coach Jeffrey Cariaso said that while Terrafirma was finding its offensive flow, it was also his team’s defensive effort that put them in a difficult spot.
“I let them know that we’re not following our defensive scheme,” said Cariaso. “I felt we were helping them because we were not in position, the guys were not helping and talking on the defensive end.”
Teng led Alaska with a career-high 30 points, on 13-of-18 shooting, with five rebounds and three steals while Abu Tratter added 21 points and 10 boards.
Antonio Hester had 24 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals to lead the Dyip.