[ad_1]
ALASKA topped Phoenix Super LPG, 105-97, on Thursday night to not only thwart a Fuel Masters streak, but also that of former player Calvin Abueva, who played his second game coming off suspension in the Philippine Cup. of the Philippine Basketball Association in the gymnasium of the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga.
The Aces rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second quarter before unleashing a scorching 20-2 attack behind Vic Manuel and Mike Digregorio to build a 91-82 band with close to in the game that they never gave up.
The victory gave Alaska its own 5-3 win-loss streak that brought the Aces closer to the quarterfinals.
Manuel added 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and so did Digregorio with 14 of his 21 points, sending the Fuel Masters to dirt after Abueva’s spectacular return from a 17-month suspension last Monday.
“I couldn’t be prouder because we really show the resilience we talk about. We have to delve into each and every game. There is always a different challenge, ”Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso said, noting that they strengthened their defense beyond the arc most of the time.
Joseph Evans Casio had 13 points, while Robert Herndon added 12 and Jeron Teng contributed nine points, six assists and six rebounds for the Aces.
Phoenix led the band 34-20 in the second quarter, but couldn’t hold on when Teng pushed the Aces to 71-75 after the third period.
Matthew Wright scattered 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Fuel Masters, which fell to 4-3 win-lost.
Abueva, who had 21 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists in his 114-110 win over NLEX last Monday, had 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists this time.
Scores:
Alaska 105 – Manuel 24, DiGregorio 21, Casio 13, Herndon 12, Teng 9, Brondial 8, Ayaay 6, Tratter 5, Ebona 4, Ahanmisi 3, Galliguez 0, Public 0.
Phoenix Super LPG 97 – Wright 27, Abueva 18, Chua 15, Perkins 10, Jazul 9, Intal 8, García 7, Marcelo 2, Heruela 1, Napoles 0, Ríos 0.
Quarters: 19-29; 49-55; 71-75; 105-97.
