Alaska dominates Ginebra by more than 20 points for third win in a row

FILE: “Final from Antipolo. #ALAvsBGSM #AcesWIN” (Photo: Alaska Aces/Facebook)

It was a 26-point victory for the Alaska Aces last Sunday, March 3, after dominating Barangay Ginebra, 104-78, during the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup match at Ynares Center.

The Aces were led by Simon Enciso, who contributed a total of 23 points. ‘Player of the Game’ was awarded to teammate Chris Banchero, who followed with 20 points, while opponents Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter performed for the Kings. Aguilar provided the Tim Cone-led squad with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Slaughter chipped 15 points and 14 rebounds.

According to winning coach Alex Compton, he “expected that [Alaska] will play hard, but didn’t expect that kind of result,” telling the press during the post-game interview, “I was hoping to force a close game to the end. I was hoping. I did not foresee that.”

After the game, controversy sparked between Coach Alex and the Ginebra head coach, with Coach Tim walking away from the traditional handshake after the game because Enciso still hit a buzzer-beater three when the result of the game was already settled. To explain his decision, the 28-year-old Filipino-American guard shared, “I know some of the other players at Ginebra are mad. I want to truly apologize from my end because in the States that’s pretty much showboating, and I’m not about that. So I want to apologize to everybody for doing that.” He added, “As a player, I’m just abiding for what my coaches are saying. I just want to honor the game and honor what my coaches told me to do.” As for about his career performance, Encisco reacted, “We really came in and took it to heart and came out with more energy. We just really focus on what to do to defend Ginebra.”

The Aces will next be competing at the same venue in Antipolo on March 9, attempting to use the high from their latest win to dominate the Magnolia Hotshots. As for the Barangay Ginebra, they will try to redeem themselves, going against the Phoenix Pulse on March 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.