New Alaska import Mark Saint Fort. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Alaska got new lease on life after rallying past NLEX, 93-79, at the start of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With their season on the line, the Aces fought back from an early double-digit deficit thanks to a blistering run in the second quarter.
Alaska went on a 20-2 surge to end the second period to erase a 16-point deficit.
The Aces carried their momentum into the second half where they took control.
ST. FORT THREEEEEE!
84-69 na para sa Alaska! #PBAiTuloyAngLaban #PBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/fHDolW9C8T
— PBA (@pbaconnect) March 16, 2022
Mark Saint Fort, who replaced Olu Ashaolu, scored a team-highs of 17 points and 14 rebounds for Alaska, which forged another game for a semifinals slot.
Jeron Teng added 16 points, six rebounds and three assists while Abu Tratter also notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Aces sank four 3-pointers in the final five minutes to close out the Road Warriors.
Cameron Clark led NLEX with game-bests of 25 points and 16 rebounds in his PBA debut. Clark replaced KJ McDaniels, who had to leave the team at the end of the elimination round for the birth of his newborn child.