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The Alaska Aces played like a well-oiled machine, hitting the Blackwater Elite 120-82 in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena.
Barkley Eboña led the Aces with 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting and Robbie Herndon added 21.
The Aces came out hot in the first 12 minutes, with a 9-0 start. Vic Manuel led the charge with a starting 10 points as the Elite did not look like the team coming off a win over the NLEX Road Warriors. Alaska had an impressive first quarter and never hit the brake pedal. Jeron Teng’s three-point bomb gave Alaska their biggest lead in the first half with 28 points, 56-28.
The Elite, who have been through heavy scoring spree in the third quarter in their first three games, couldn’t find firepower even after halftime. Another basket from Manuel turned him into a 32-point lead with roughly five minutes to go in the period, taking the fight away from the elite.
The Aces went on to lead by up to 41 points in the uneven competition.
“We are pleased with the growth of Barkley,” Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso said. “He’s still learning and getting better … He’s still learning what it takes to be successful here at the PBA. We’re lucky and he’s lucky he has Coach Danny (Ildefonso) as a mentor. I told him just listen to Coach Danny , you’ll be fine “.
Alaska entered the ball game averaging the most turnovers in a ball game at 21.3, but had only seven against Blackwater. Cariaso said correcting his mistakes was a priority.
“That category was something that we addressed in the last few days and it was one of the last things I addressed before starting the game,” Cariaso said. “We needed to stop handing the ball over and give the other team opportunities and give them more possessions, of course by subtracting from our possessions.”
Blackwater had few bright spots as Ed Daquioag scored 18 points off the bench. Mike Tolomia contributed 10 points and seven dimes.
“I think the defense tonight was tremendous,” Cariaso said. “They really followed the game plan that we put in place, so as a coach you are always happy that they were able to execute.”
Alaska achieved its second victory of the tournament, tying Blackwater, Meralco and San Miguel in the standings with a 2-2 record.
THE SCORES
ALASKA 120 – Ebona 24, Herndon 21, Manuel 16, Tratter 14, DiGregorio 12, Teng 11, Casio 7, Galliguez 3, Ahanmisi 2, Marcelino 2, Ayaay 2, Publico 2, Andrada 2, Brondial 2.
BLACKWATER 82 – Daquioag 18, Tolomia 10, Canaleta 9, Salem 9, Gabriel 6, Dennison 6, Trollano 6, Desiderio 5, Belo 5, Dario 3, Sumang 2, Golla 2, Escoto 1, Magat 0.
Quarters: 38-17, 58-40, 90-61, 120-82.
EXTRA JARS
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Blackwater’s Maurice Shaw missed his second straight game due to back spasms.
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Blackwater was the No. 1 rebounding team heading into the game at 59.7, while Alaska was trailing at 42.7 per game. The Aces were able to possess a 55-43 rebounding advantage in the victory.
NEXT GAMES
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Blackwater vs. TNT Tropang Giga, 4 p.m. on October 22.
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Alaska vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 6:45 pm on October 22.
