The Alaska Aces began their life without Calvin Abueva on a high note as they sent the Meralco Bolts to their second straight defeat, 80-72, in the 2018 Governors’ Cup, Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“I’m definitely happy with the win,” beamed Aces head coach Alex Compton. “I was worried coming into the game. They (Meralco) are the back-to-back finalists, and they also have the Best Import (Allen Durham).”
Import Mike Harris led the Milkmen with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Chris Banchero was all over the place with 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while fellow guard Simon Enciso provided 11 markers on 12 shots.
The Aces nearly blew their chances of winning, though. They already had a 15-point lead with 5:17 remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Bolts caught fire and made 10 straight points to knock within five, 70-75, with 1:30 on the clock.
Meralco had their own chances of trimming the gap further, but they failed to capitalize. Harris’ shot-clock-beating triple went in with 21 ticks left in the game, and that shut the door close on the Bolts.
Vic Manuel chipped in 10 markers and five rebounds in the win.
Allen Durham led the Bolts (1-2) with 21 points and 11 rebounds, his lowest output after averaging 27.5 points and 21 rebounds in their last two games. Chris Newsome had 14 points, while Baser Amer made 13 and 10 boards.
Alaska will next battle the TNT KaTropa on Sunday, August 26, at 4:30 PM. Meralco, meanwhile, will have a lengthy break before facing the Phoenix Fuel Masters on September 19. Both games are set at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Alaska 80 – Harris 23, Banchero 13, Enciso 11, Manuel 10, Baclao 6, Exciminiano 5, Racal 5, Galliguez 3, Pascual 2, Teng 2, Casio 0.
Meralco 72 – Durham 21, Newsome 14, Amer 13, de Ocampo 8, Caram 6, Salva 5, Canaleta 3, Hodge 2, Hugnatan 0, Laneta 0, Tolomia 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22, 33-40, 61-50, 80-72.
