PBA: Edwards steers Alaska past TNT for first win
Alaska’s new import Shane Edwards. PBA IMAGES
Shane Edwards made quite a first impression after powering Alaska past TNT, 108-100, for its first win in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 28-year-old Edwards, who replaced the injured Rob Dozier, had 36 points and 20 rebounds in his PBA debut for the Aces, who improved to 1-1.
Article continues after this advertisement“It’s much better when you have an import and he plays well. I’m really happy with the effort,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton. “We really had a tough conference. This year wasn’t easy either, still isn’t easy.”
The Aces rallied after trailing as much as 12, 61-49, in the third quarter. JVee Casio nailed a go-ahead triple, 81-78, with 10:05 left and Alaska never trailed again.
TNT’s new import David Simon was no slouch either. Simon, who filled in for the suspended Ivan Johnson, got 35 points and 19 rebounds.
Article continues after this advertisementA basket by Simon trimmed Alaska’s lead to three before the Aces answered with Calvin Abueva setting up Vic Manuel for a gimme to seal the game, 104-99, with 46.4 ticks to go.
Ryan Reyes stepped on the sidelines and Ranidel de Ocampo misfired on two triples inside the final 40 seconds as TNT continued its struggles with a 1-3 record.
