The Alaska Aces redeemed themselves from the heartbreak they suffered in the hands of the Magnolia Hotshots last Sunday by venting their ire on the Columbian Dyip, 104-94, Wednesday evening at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The Milkmen – who had a four-game winning streak before bowing to the Hotshots – improved their card to 6-2 to gain a share of the third spot of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup team standings with the Blackwater Elite.
Mike Harris erupted for 44 points, 25 in the first half, on 68 percent shooting alongside 27 rebounds to power Alaska. This is now the 35-year-old’s new career-high in the league, eclipsing his 39-point game last October 3.
“I’m glad we got Mike Harris,” said Aces head coach Alex Compton. “I’m glad we got a great import. I’m glad he’s a stud.”
The Aces did have to avert a fourth quarter rally by the Dyip to get away with the win. They already led by 20 points in the third canto, but Columbian fought back hard and knocked within distance, 88-95, with 4:11 on the clock.
Alaska luckily managed to respond accordingly. They scored six straight points – capped by a Chris Banchero lay-up – to post a 101-88 lead with 1:52 left to play. That run was more than enough to keep Columbian at bay.
And that is why Compton wasn’t too happy even if they got the win.
“Interesting feeling to win but I’m not happy right now with the way we played,” said a downcast Compton. “No disrespect to Columbian but I think we’re a stronger team, but we didn’t play the way we’re supposed to play. Credit to Columbian for fighting ’til the end.”
Vic Manuel supplied 16 points and six rebounds, Jvee Casio had 10 points, and Banchero had yet another double-double with 10 points and 11 assists in the win.
Import Akeem Wright flirted with a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists to lead Columbian, who are now at 0-9. Jackson Corpuz added 19 points as well, while Jerramy King chipped in 14 markers.
Alaska will next play the NLEX Road Warriors on October 26, Friday, while Columbian will battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this coming Friday, October 19. Both games are at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Scores:
Alaska 104 – Harris 44, Manuel 16, Banchero 10, Casio 10, Baclao 6, Thoss 6, Enciso 4, Exciminiano 4, Racal 2, Teng 2, Pascual 0.
Columbian 94 – Wright 19, Corpuz 19, King 14, Celda 11, Reyes 8, McCarthy 7, Tubid 6, Lastimosa 6, Khobuntin 2, Ababou 2, Cabrera 0, Cahilig 0.
Quarterscores: 33-24, 53-43, 85-72, 104-94.
