The Alaska Aces’ end-game poise was on full display as they survived the Blackwater Elite’s late attack to get away with the 116-109 victory, Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska have won their second straight and have improved to 7-2 to force a three-way tie at the top spot of the 2018 Governors’ Cup standings with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia Hotshots.
Moreover, the Milkmen have given themselves a great chance of finishing on one of the Top Four spots for the playoffs, which means that they will be armed with a twice-to-beat edge.
“We’re shooting the Top Four,” said head coach Alex Compton. “So we have to win at least one of our last two games.”
Mike Harris was on beast mode yet again, tallying 38 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Harris was also the one who saved the Aces in the end. When the latter came back from 11 down to just four, 106-110, the 35-year-old made a four-point play with 16.5 ticks left to seal the win.
The night also belonged to Chris Banchero. The Fil-Italian guard was scorching hot, scoring a career-high 28 points on 12-of-16 shooting along with four caroms and three dimes.
Jvee Casio flirted with a double-double of 14 markers and seven assists, and Vic Manuel chipped in 12 markers.
Henry Walker had a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists to pace Blackwater, who has dropped its’ second straight game and have gone 6-3, tied with Phoenix Fuel Masters.
Mike DiGregorio produced 20 points; slotman Poy Erram nearly had a double-double of 18 points and eight rebounds; while Nard Pinto provided 13 points, 10 assists, and six caroms.
Alaska will battle the NLEX Road Warriors next on Friday, October 26, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, while Blackwater will face the Columbian Dyip on Saturday, October 27, in Biñan, Laguna.
The Scores:
Alaska 116 – Harris 38, Banchero 28, Casio 14, Manuel 12, Racal 7, Teng 6, Baclao 4, Thoss 4, Enciso 3, Exciminiano 0.
Blackwater 109 – Walker 29, Digregorio 20, Erram 18, Pinto 13, Maliksi 10, Zamar 10, Al-Hussaini 5, Belo 4, Sena 0, Sumang 0, Jose 0.
Quarterscores: 26-29, 57-45, 87-82, 116-109
