After losing to Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters two nights ago, the Alaska Aces bounced back in a big way by trouncing the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 104-78, in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, Sunday night at Ynares Center, Antipolo.
The Aces seized control of the match early in the second frame by establishing a 35-21 advantage, and that started the onslaught that saw them lead by as many as 30 points, 95-65, with six minutes left in the game.
The win not only improved Alaska’s record to 3-2, but it also helped them overtake the Barangay in the third spot of the team standings.
“I did not expect that. We went from really getting handled by Phoenix who’s doing a great job,” Alaska head coach Alex Compton recalled of their 80-94 defeat. “I was hoping we could force a close game to the end.
“I did not foresee that, and I didn’t even plan for that, you know,” he continued.
Simon Enciso led the Milkmen with 23 points in his second game back from a minor knee surgery, with his last three points drawing ire from Ginebra head coach Tim Cone as he made it when the game was all but settled.
Chris Banchero was all over the place for Alaska as he produced 20 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. The FEU tandem of Carl Bryan Cruz and Ping Exciminiano chimed in 12 markers apiece on a combined 9-of-15 shooting.
Ginebra’s loss spoiled the return of Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson from a successful Gilas Pilipinas stint. Aguilar paced the Barangay with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Thompson had 15 points and six boards.
Greg Slaughter had 15 points as well alongside 14 rebounds. LA Tenorio chimed in 11 markers, five boards, four assists, and a steal.
The Gin Kings did not have its offensive rhythm flowing as they only shot a horrid 36.4 percent from the floor, which was totally inferior to the 50.6 percent that the Milkmen converted that saw them bury 13 shots from beyond the arc.
Alaska will battle the Magnolia Hotshots next on Saturday, March 9, still at the Ynares Center, while the crowd favorites Ginebra will have their turn facing Phoenix on Sunday, March 10, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Alaska 104 – Enciso 23, Banchero 20, Cruz 12, Exciminiano 12, Ayaay 9, Pascual 8, Thoss 8, Teng 7, Galliguez 5, Andrada 0, Baclao 0.
Ginebra 78 – Aguilar 17, Thompson 15, Slaughter 15, Tenorio 11, Caguioa 7, Dela Cruz 4, Ferrer 3, Mariano 2, Mercado 2, Devance 2, Caperal 0, Chan 0.
Quarterscores: 27-19, 52-34, 80-63, 104-78
