Alaska turned back San Miguel, 99-94, to post back-to-back wins in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup, Wednesday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig
Import Olu Ashaolu spearheaded the Aces with 23 points and 13 rebounds in one of their more important victories in the season-ending conference.
He poured 10 of his output in the third quarter, leading his side’s breakaway from a two-point deficit to a 79-68 lead to open the final quarter.
“Olu is a big part of this 2-0 start, he brings a lot of energy, “said head coach Jeff Cariaso, who’s off to his best start as the ball club’s shot-caller.
Other Milkmen also made their presence felt in the victory. Robbie Herndon, the hero in their escape versus NorthPort last Wednesday, made 11 points.
Then there’s also the trio of Abu Tratter, Mike DiGregorio, and rookie Alec Stockton. They all finished with 10 markers each in the triumph.
All three accounted for much of Alaska’s 45 bench points.
“Guys have been focused,” said Cariaso, pointing out once more how his team is in much better shape now compared to the last two conferences.
Meanwhile, June Mar Fajardo led San Miguel with 23 points on 64-percent shooting and 15 rebounds in their second loss in as many games.
Import Brandon Brown had 22 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists as he tried to will the Beermen in the game’s final moments.
They managed to come to as close as three with five seconds left, but Mike Tolomia was there to foil any comeback hopes with his free throws.
Terrence Romeo supplied 16 points and six assists, while Marcio Lassiter chimed in 11 markers for the retooled contenders.
Alaska can extend its streak versus Ginebra on Sunday at 6:45 p.m. SMB hopes to get its first win versus NorthPort at 4:00 p.m. on the same day.
The Scores:
Alaska 99 – Ashaolu 23, Herndon 11, Stockton 10, Digregorio 10, Tratter 10, Ahanmisi 9, Teng 7, Tolomia 6, Taha 4, Brondial 4, Racal 3, Adamos 2.
San Miguel 94 – Fajardo 23, Brown 22, Romeo 16, Lassiter 11, Perez 7, Enciso 6, Manuel 6, Tautuaa 3, Zamar 0, Pessumal 0.
Quarterscores: 25-28, 53-51, 77-68, 99-94.
