[ad_1]
The Alaska Aces catapulted into the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup quarter-finals with a grueling 122-119 overtime victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Monday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena.
Maverick Ahanmisi was the best scorer for the Aces with 25 points and provided 12 rebounds before fouling in the final minute. Veteran playmaker Jvee Casio put up a great effort of 19 points, five rebounds and three steals, while also providing big plays down the stretch.
“It was very difficult and that was what we expected. Going into the game, we knew how hot NLEX had been the last three or four games,” Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso said. “It was just one of those games where we were able to do it down the stretch. And I’m happy again for the focus the guys had at the end of the game.”
Alaska’s ticket to the quarterfinals was heavily threatened by Kiefer Ravena’s 30-point explosion. Phenom scored nine points in the final two minutes of regulation, and his final shot at the basket in extra time kept his team within attacking distance as he received the last foul from Ahanmisi.
Despite Casio and Abu Tratter splitting their free throws in the final 10 seconds of play, Alaska was able to hold on.
JR Quiñahan had 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Kevin Alas added 13 points and seven dimes in a losing effort.
Alaska finished the regular season with a 7-4 record with its final seed yet to be determined. The Aces’ victory also placed San Miguel, Meralco and Magnolia in the playoffs.
“We know we had a slim chance of being in the top four. We still hope it works out our way. If it doesn’t, then we have to prepare for both scenarios,” Cariaso said, as the Aces will have to. wait if they will enjoy a double incentive in the quarterfinals. “What makes me happy is that we were able to avoid the knockout.”
NLEX, on the other hand, saw their three-game winning streak stopped and settled for a 4-6 scorecard. The Road Warriors still have a slim chance of entering the quarterfinals with one more game on their schedule.
THE SCORES
ALASKA 122 – Ahanmisi 25, Casio 19, Tratter 16, Herndon 14, Teng 13, Manuel 11, DiGregorio 11, Ayaay 5, Brondial 8, Ebona 0, Galliguez 0
NLEX 119 – Ravena 30, Quinahan 24, Cruz 18, Alas 13, Soyud 9, Miranda 9, Semerad 8, Ighalo 5, Rod 3, Porter 0, Ayonayon 0
Quarters: 17-23, 53-49, 75-75, 108-108, 122-119
EXTRA JARS
The playoff cast will be complete if Rain or Shine win against TNT or Phoenix. NLEX will be looking to win their last game of the regular season and will expect two losses from the Elasto Painters for a playoff eliminator game.
The Aces worked hard in the shaded area, rebounding the Road Warriors 61-49 and had 54 points in the paint.
NEXT GAME
NLEX vs Terrafirma Dyip, 10:00 am on November 11
