Alaska enters next phase of PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals

Photo from Alaska Aces official Facebook page

MANILA – Alaska snapped two-game losing streak with a hard-earned 82-78 victory against NLEX on Thursday night to enter the second phase of the quarterfinals in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Road Warriors leaned on Mac Cardona’s four straight points to cut the Aces’ led to just two points, 80-78, with only 12.6 second in the game.

Cardona, however, failed to stop Jayvee Casio who got away with a lay-up that sealed Alaska’s victory.

“It was just a defensive battle. The biggest thing for me is their 78 points because that’s a good offensive team,” Alaska head coach Alex Compton said.

Vic Manuel spearheaded the Aces with 13 points while Cyrus Baguio and Casio combined for 22 markers Dondon Hontiveros finished with 10.

“We’re not exactly great offensively this conference. We know we can’t win in a shootout. But it’s another case of our defense making it for us,” Compton said.

With their loss, the Road Warriors got the exit door right in their first conference since NLEX acquired the franchise of Air21 this year.

On the other hand, the Aces marched in the knockout phase of the quarterfinals against the winner of Purefoods and Meralco who are still playing as of press time.

The scores:

ALASKA 82 – Manuel 13, Baguio 11, Casio 11, Hontiveros 10, Menk 8, Dela Cruz 8, Banchero 6, Thoss 6, Abueva 5, Dela Rosa 2, Jazul 2, Eman 0, Exciminiano 0.

NLEX 78 – Ramos 17, Borboran 13, Cardona 12, Lingganay 11, Taulava 10, Camson 6, Canaleta 5, Raymundo 2, Villanueva E. 2, Villanueva J. 0, Arboleda H. 0, Apinan 0, Arboleda W. 0, Baloria 0.

Quarterscores: 26-17, 49-38, 63-58, 82-78