Mike Harris scores 44 points as Aces defeats Columbian

Harris powers Alaska past Columbian Dyip. (Photo: Alaska Aces/Facebook)

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) import Mike Harris led Alaska to a win against Columbian last Wednesday, October 17 during the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup game at the Cuneta Astrodome. The score ended 104-94 in favor of the Aces.

After their loss to Magnolia last Sunday, the Alex Compton-led team was able to maintain their position in the top four as they’re currently tied with Blackwater Elite for third place at 6-2.

Harris had a total of 44 points and 27 rebounds in a goal to redeem himself from their last game, with the former National Basketball Association (NBA) campaigner stating, “Last game I was a little bit frustrated. I was taking it from the outside when I should have been going strong inside. Tonight, I was able to establish myself in the paint early and my teammates were always looking to find me.”

Besides Harris, Vic Manuel, Chris Banchero, and JVee Casio scored 16, 10, and 10 points respectively, but head coach Compton said he was expecting more from the rest of the team who has “got to get better.”

He stated, “I’m glad that we have a great import [but] that’s no excuse for us not to do our jobs. We won the game, but I’m really unhappy right now, the way we played.”

He added that they’re “a stronger team than Columbian,” continuing, “No disrespect to any team, but my concern is my team. I think that we could lose to a better team and not feel the way I’m feeling right now.”

On the other hand, Columbian’s most notable player is Akeem Wright, who almost had a triple-double at 19 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. Jackson Corpuz provided a total of 19 points as well, but Alaska was able to close off the normally-high pointers Jeremy King and Rashawn McCarthy at a total of 21 points combined.

Columbian’s next game is against Rain or Shine at Ynares Center in Antipolo on October 19, while Alaska will be battling it out against Blackwater at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 21.