Alaska withstood NorthPort’s late-game hijack attempt, 106-99, to post its first winning streak in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces saw their 14-point third quarter chopped down to just three, 99-102, with 27.6 seconds left in the game. Fortunately, Vic Manuel then coolly made his freebies with 17.7 ticks left to put the game away.
Manuel finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds in the win that hiked the Milkmen’s record to 3-6.
“I think this is one of those games that we talk about all the time. It’s being able to grind out a win,” said coach Jeffret Cariaso. “Even [if] humahabol na ‘yung kalaban, they kept on fighting.”
Franko House also had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Abu Tratter flirted with a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Jeron Teng supplied 13 markers, five board, and four dimes.
This marked the first game of the Aces without star guard Chris Banchero, whom they traded to the Magnolia Hotshots in exchange for sophomore Robbie Herndon and Rodney Brondial.
Christian Standhardinger had 37 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists to lead NorthPort.
Michael Qualls had 35 points, 15 boards, four blocks, and three steals in the loss that dropped the Batang Pier to 3-5.
NorthPort played without Robert Bolick. The rookie out of San Beda is out for six months due to an ACL tear in his right knee, which he suffered in their win over San Miguel Beermen last October 23.
Alaska will next face Phoenix Pulse on November 13, Wednesday, still at the Big Dome. Meanwhile, NorthPort will take on Meralco next Sunday, November 10, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Scores:
Alaska (106) — Manuel 23, House 23, Tratter 17, Teng 13, Enciso 8, Casio 7, Racal 6, Thoss 4, Ahanmisi 4, Pascual 1, Ayaay 0.
NorthPort (99) — Standhardinger 37, Qualls 35, Anthony 8, King 5, Ferrer 3, Taha 2, Elorde 1, Cruz 0, Escoto 0.
Quarterscores: 28-29, 53-48, 83-76, 106-99.
