The Alaska Aces pushed GlobalPort to the limit even with their starters playing on minutes restriction, before eventually yielding a 117-104 decision in overtime.
The game meant all sorts of importance for the Batang Pier, which copped the final twice to beat incentive although it was no reason for the top-seeded Aces to let down.
Aces head coach Alex Compton still lauded his troops, especially the bench, for stepping up and giving the Batang Pier a good challenge.
“Our guys played really hard until the end. Some were weary, but we emphasized working as hard as we could and we pushed a team that is very talented. They needed to win right in overtime,” Compton said.
Asked about resting most of his starters in the second half, Compton shared some were dealing with minor injuries did not want to risk losing them heading into the critical stages of the tournament.
“We played everybody in the first half. Romeo [Travis] hurt his knee in the second half. Calvin [Abueva] tweaked his ankle again. We had to rest some guys and the minutes were evenly distributed. I believe in our bench. We believe in our guys. You will never know in the playoffs who is going to step up,” he added.
Travis logged only 17:46 and took 8 attempts. Abueva played slightly longer at 18:03; JVee Casio played 16:01, while Dondon Hontiveros and Sonny Thoss both played under 15 minutes.
Compton said he was giving opportunities to his other players, a testament to the depth the Aces possess.
“That’s something we emphasize from the beginning. If you are playing for us, you are playing for us. If you are going to play hard in practice, I don’t see why you are not going to get your chance. They got their chances and honored it.”
Alaska played all 16 of its active members with Cyrus Baguio getting the most at 25:56. Overall, the Aces proved how dangerous it could be even with most of their starters not seeing action.
*Photo by PBA Images
