The Alaska Aces came from behind and outlasted a wily GlobalPort Batang Pier in overtime, 105-98, to book their sixth consecutive victory in 2018, Sunday evening at a jam-packed Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Milkmen, who now have the best winning streak in the 2018 Philippine Cup, have improved to 6-2. The Batang Pier, on the other hand, dropped to 3-4, similar to the Phoenix Fuel Masters, NLEX Road Warriors, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
“We’re so fortunate to come away with this. Hats off to the players, they didnt give up, they kept on going,” lauded Alaska head coach Alex Compton.
Vic Manuel led the Aces with 21 points — seven in overtime — on top of five rebounds and two steals. Backcourt duo Jvee Casio and Chris Banchero scored 16 markers apiece, with the former adding five assists and four boards.
The Aces were down 12, 65-77, in the early seconds of the final frame, but made a spirited 25-11 scoring spree — capped by Casio’s three and Calvin Abueva’s lay-up — to snatch the lead, 90-88, with 2:44 on the clock.
Stanley Pringle nailed a booming pull-up triple moments later to lift the Batang Pier once more, 91-90. But Kevin Racal’s underbasket stab and Abueva’s split from the foul line gave Alaska the edge again, 93-91, with 19 seconds left.
Pringle, however, did not let GlobalPort down, taking matters into his own hands by driving hard and sinking a contested lay-up with eight seconds left to play to tie the game at 93. Alaska’s failure to convert on the other end sent it to OT.
The Batang Pier fought in extra period, but suffered a big blow, as Sean Anthony left the game with a sprained left ankle with 2:49 left. From there, the Aces took advantage, going on a finishing 9-2 run led by Manuel to seal the deal.
“Honestly, I dont think coaches don’t get appreciated enough but coach Pido deresves a lot of credit. GlobalPort has been playing great,” said Compton, tipping his hat to the opposing team’s head coach Pido Jarencio.
Abueva finished with yet another double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. Rookie Jeron Teng did his part with 11 points, four caroms, and three dimes.
Pringle led GlobalPort with 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Anthony produced 21 points and 14 boards, while Kelly Nabong had a double-double as well of 15 markers and 12 caroms along with four blocks.
Alaska will look to keep rolling versus NLEX next Sunday, February 11 at 4:30 PM, while GlobalPort will take on the TNT Katropa on February 14, Wednesday, at 7:00 PM. Both games will be at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Alaska 105 – Manuel 21, Banchero 16, Casio 16, Abueva 12, Teng 11, Thoss 8, Racal 6, Pascual 5, Cruz 4, Enciso 3, Exciminiano 2, Potts 1, Baclao 0.
Globalport 98 – Pringle 28, Anthony 21, Nabong 15, Grey 10, Guinto 8, Elorde 5, Sargent 5, Taha 4, Gabayni 2, Flores 0, Juico 0, Arana 0.
Quarterscores: 20-26, 43-48, 65-75, 93-93, 105-98.
