Rookie Ray Parks, Jr. once again exploded with a double-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, while Roi Sumang and Rabeh Al-Hussaini came off the bench and totalled 18 and 15 points respectively, with Sumang hitting a crucial jumper and Al-Hussaini sealing the win with a three at the last two minutes of the match. Mac Belo and Allein Maliksi found fire off the bench as well as they scored 13 and 12 points, while import Staphon Blair did not disappoint at 14 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
On the other hand, Diamon Simpson led the way for Alaska, totalling 24 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks. Chris Banchero, Sonny Thoss, Vic Manuel, and Jeron Teng all added double-digits to the scoreboard as well, with 18, 15, 15 and 11 points, but it was not enough to win the match and secure a spot into the playoffs. They now will have to battle it out with both Phoenix or possibly Meralco for spot number eight into the quarterfinals.
Now at number three, the Elite finished the eliminations with seven wins and four losses, with head coach Aris Dimaunahan explaining, “The players are being challenged, since three days ago, to get this win for the franchise and for ourselves. We challenged the guys to keep the third seed coming into the playoffs. ” He continued, “We want to get a win coming to the playoffs, so we can have confidence with whoever we play.”
Prior to the next round, Alaska is awaiting for the do-or-die match of Meralco against the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, July 17 to determine their competitors to close off the top eight teams into the playoffs on Friday, July 19.