Coming off a crushing loss to Rain or Shine last Sunday, the Alaska Aces vented their ire on the Columbian Dyip, 94-72, for their first win in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Alaska took control of the match from the moment they had their first taste of a twin-digit lead, 23-13, at the start of the second. They would go on to lead by as many as 30 twice inside the last four minutes.
The Aces have improved to 1-1, while dragging the Dyip down to 2-4.
Carl Cruz led still-depleted Alaska with 20 points and nine rebounds. Jake Pascual was impressive as well, as he registered his first career double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Ping Exciminiano chipped in 12 markers.
“Really proud of our defense, clearly won us the game,” lauded Alaska head coach Alex Compton. “We had two days to prepare, and we talked about how this game was an opportunity to bounce back from Rain or Shine.
“And we only dressed ten players, and all ten played, and I thought they all played hard,” he added. “I really appreciate my guys’ efforts. I thought pretty much the whole game, we were energetic and all over the place and covered the ground.”
Alaska’s defense made it a long night for Columbian, who have now lost their third straight. The Aces limited the Dyip’s field goal shooting to just 36 percent, while also forcing them to commit 15 errors, which they turned to 17 points.
January’s Rookie of the Month CJ Perez led Columbian with 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting along with five rebounds. Forward Jackson Corpuz had been his lone support as he produced 12 markers, six caroms, a steal and a block.
Both teams will see action again next Wednesday, February 13, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Alaska will start things off with a clash versus the Blackwater Elite at 4:30 PM, followed by Columbian’s match against the Meralco Bolts at 7PM.
The Scores:
Alaska 94 – Cruz 20, Pascual 13, Exciminiano 12, Banchero 10, Potts 9, Teng 8, Ayaay 8, Baclao 6, Thoss 4, Galliguez 4.
Columbian 72 – Perez 15, Corpuz 12, Khobuntin 8, Cabrera 6, Reyes 5, Escoto 5, Gabriel 5, Cahilig 4, Camson 4, Calvo 4, McCarthy 2, Tabi 2, Agovida 0.
Quarterscores: 20-13, 46-36, 68-50, 94-72.
