The physicality of the series continues, but the Alaska Aces have started to display their poise and composure against the inexperienced GlobalPort crew.
The Alaska Aces pulled away in the fourth quarter of Game 3, to take an 82-69 win and lead the series for the first time against the GlobalPort Batang Pier, held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.
Just like the first two games of the series, GlobalPort raced to a quick start as Terrence Romeo and his crew built an early 11-3 advantage. Time and again, however, Alaska rallied through the efforts of Vic Manuel and the Aces’ bench. In the blink of an eye, the lead switched in the Aces’ favor as their defense limited the Batang Pier to only two points in the last half of the opening period.
As the heated and intense atmosphere of the match increased, Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo were issued technical fouls. Alaska rotated the ball and tried to bring the game’s pace in their favor. However, scoring came slow for both teams as the scoreboard showed a 36-26 game in favor of the Aces at the break.
Alaska continued with their struggle in the offensive end as the Batang Pier’s defense haunted the Aces, preventing them from making good attempts at the rim. Stanley Pringle and Romeo made their transition plays, and easy baskets propelled their team to tie things up at 41 with 4:32 left in the third.
The quarter ended a back-and-forth affair, with both teams draining perimeter jumpers in the low-scoring ballgame. GlobalPort relied on several second chances led by Doug Kramer in the boards, as they managed to come back and tie the game at 53 after three cantos.
GlobalPort made the initial baskets of the final period, but Alaska unleashed a pivotal 13-0 run in the middle of the quarter that gave them a 69-58 edge. With physicality continuing between Jazul and Romeo, the GlobalPort star guard was assessed his second technical foul, which ejected him from the match halfway through the period. The big run, to which Dondon Hontiveros added another three-ball, sealed the deal as the lead proved to be insurmountable for GlobalPort until the final minutes.
Easily, Alaska dominated the beyond-the-arc game, with five more triples converted. GlobalPort shot a very poor 2/31 clip from downtown. Alaska also had more rebounds, 67-60, while their defense limited the Batang Pier to a poor 26% clip for the entire 48-minute outing.
Vic Manuel had another productive night, leading the Aces with 16 points, on 8/11 shooting, six rebounds and two blocks. After the match, he mentioned this win was a reward after the scuffle back in Game 2. In addition, he added that the team followed the game plan and was patient on their offense.
“Nakabawi na kasi panalo kami. Yun yung mas okay na reward samin. Pinaalala samin ni coach na kailangan pag tulungan namin sa depensa sila Terrence at Stanley. Sabi naman ni coach di namin kailangan makisabayan sa laro nila. Kailangan mag execute lang kami. Wag kami mangigil,” Manuel said.
Romeo led the Batang Pier with 17 markers, but needed 23 shots to make them. He was the only player for the team to make a three-pointer. Pringle and Kramer combined for 23 for GlobalPort.
The Scores:
Alaska (82) – Manuel 16, Jazul 12, Casio 10, Banchero 10, Abueva 9, Hontiveros 9, Exciminino 4, Baguio 3, Thoss 2, Baclao 2, Dela Cruz 0, Dela Rosa 0
GlobalPort (69) – Romeo 17, Pringle 12, Kramer 11, Washington 7, Yeo 6, Maierhofer 5, Jensen 5, Uyloan 0, Mamaril 0, Pena 0, Semerad 0
Quarterscores: 26-13, 36-26, 53-53, 82-69
