Sans Banchero, Alaska fights off NorthPort behind Manuel
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Alaska held off NorthPort, 106-99, Sunday night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Vic Manuel and import Franko House dealt most of the damage, scoring 23 points each for the Aces.
Youngsters Abu Tratter and Jeron Teng scored 17 and 13 points each off the bench to help Alaska improve to 3-6 despite the absence of its chief playmaker Chris Banchero, who has been traded to Magnolia.
Coach Jeff Cariaso said the deal that will send big man Rodney Brondial and swingman Robbie Herndon in exchange for Banchero is just waiting for the league’s approval.
Christian Stanhardinger had a career-best 37 points while reinforcement Michael Qualls’ 35 in a losing cause for the Batang Pier, who played their first game minus their injured prized rookie Robert Bolick.
Alaska shoots for a third straight victory against Phoenix on Wednesday.
NorthPort, meanwhile, hopes to return to the win column against Meralco next Sunday.
The scores: Alaska 106 – House 23, Manuel 23, Tratter 17, Teng 13, Enciso 8, Casio 7, Racal 6, Thoss 4, Ahanmisi 4, Pascual 1, Ayaay 0. NorthPort 99 – Standhardinger 37, Qualls 35, Anthony 8, Lanete 8, Casio 7, King 5, Ferrer 3, Taha 2, Elorde 1, Cruz 0, Escoto 0. Quarterscores: 28-29, 53-48, 83-76, 106-99.
