Alaska weathered Phoenix Pulse’s late-game surge, 105-102, to further improve its playoff chances in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, Wednesday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces saw their 13-point lead turn to just one, 102-103, after a Matt Wright trey with 12.6 ticks left, but Jvee Casio’s free throws and a Jason Perkins airball three on the other end sealed the win.
“This is one of those games where me, being a young coach, you learn the most,” said coach Jeff Cariaso. “This is not just a learning lesson for me but also for the team on how to be stronger and be better down the stretch.”
The Milkmen have now won three in a row to to hike their card to 4-6, forcing a three-way tie at seventh in the team standings with the NorthPort Batang Pier and the Columbian Dyip.
Vic Manuel led Alaska with 20 points and three rebounds in the victory which the team could hardly celebrate.
The Aces lost Jeron Teng with 41.5 seconds left to play — at the height of their foes’ rally — as he hurt his right knee after Justin Chua accidentally landed on it as he dove for the ball.
Teng exited the game with 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in nearly 26 minutes of playing time.
“Gosh, I hope he’s good.” said Cariaso. “I’m not sure. His reaction when he sat down on the bench was hitting the chair. So it doesn’t seem like it’s good. Ibig sabihin meron siyang nararamdaman.
‘We’re hoping for the best. We’re hoping it’s just a hyper-extended knee or something. We’re hoping it’s nothing bad, that he has to sit out for a long time. We’re praying for him.”
Import Franko House produced 15 points and 18 rebounds while Maverick Ahanmisi added 12 markers for Alaska.
Wright had 25 points and 10 assists to lead Phoenix Pulse, who has bowed out of contention with a 2-8 record.
Alaska will take on NLEX (8-2) next Wednesday, November 20, at Ynares Center in Antipolo while Phoenix Pulse faces Blackwater (2-8) this Friday, November 15, still at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Alaska (105) — Manuel 20, Teng 17, House 15, Ahanmisi 12, Racal 9, Enciso 9, Casio 9, Tratter 7, Herndon 3, Brondial 2, Thoss 0, Ayaay 0.
Phoenix (102) — Wright 25, Gee 23, Perkins 18, Chua 16, Mallari 5, Potts 4, Napoles 3, Gamboa 2, Intal 2, Jazul 2, Kramer 2.
Quarterscores: 32-19, 49-53, 80-76, 105-102.
