Alaska hardly missed a beat despite a long layoff as it beat reigning champions Barangay Ginebra, 89-75, in the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup, Friday evening at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Back in action after two weeks of being under health and safety protocols, the Aces held their foes to just eight points in the opening frame while scoring 23. And that proved to be the prelude of a one-sided show in their favor.
Alaska not only returned to play but also on the winning track as it snapped its two-game skid to improve to 3-4, keeping its playoff hopes alive.
“It feels really good to be back playing again,” said head coach Jeff Cariaso. “It feels good to be able to be successful today. We’re here for a reason. All teams are here for a reason. We never forgot that.”
Abu Tratter led the Milkmen’s balanced attack with 13 points. Mike DiGregorio supplied 11 points, as the trio of Jeron Teng, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Robbie Herndon all chimed in 10 markers apiece.
Veteran big man Rodney Brondial was just a point shy of a double-double as he made nine points and a team-high 10 rebounds.
Alaska battled a Ginebra side different from the one that came back and beat Phoenix last Wednesday, so sluggish that it only scored 25 in the first half.
That, according to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III, was the lowest output by the franchise since mustering just 24 versus, coincidentally, the Aces in Game 1 of the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup Finals which they also lost.
Alaska went on to lead by as many as 23, 64-41, following a split from the foul line by Tratter with 3:33 to spare in the third canto.
“They maintained their composure throughout the whole game. We knew that Ginebra is an experienced champion team that we’re gonna have to be on point about, and for the most part we were,” Cariaso said.
The Aces, though, will have a quick turnaround. After Ginebra, it will face the top-seeded TNT tomorrow, before battling Terrafirma on Sunday.
“Today we survived, and then tomorrow is another battle that we’re going to face,” said Cariaso. “But for today, I’d like to commend the team, the players.”
Stanley Pringle led the Gin Kings with 20 points in the loss that dropped them to 4-6, which is the first losing record of head coach Tim Cone with Ginebra.
Scottie Thompson was the only other double-digit scorer with 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Barangay, who dropped to ninth place in the team standings — just below the Aces.
Ginebra only has one game left in the eliminations, which will be against rival Meralco. It is set for next week, barring any hitches.
The Scores:
Alaska 89 – Tratter 13, Digregorio 11, Herndon 10, Ahanmisi 10, Teng 10, Brondial 9, Banal 8, Marcelino 8, Casio 6, Adamos 4, Ilagan 0, Ebona 0.
Ginebra 75 – Pringle 20, Thompson 17, Standhardinger 9, Tenorio 8, Ayaay 7, Mariano 6, Devance 4, Tolentino 2, Dillinger 2, Caperal 0, R. Aguilar 0.
Quarterscores: 23-8, 43-25, 66-52, 89-75.
