The comeback kids have done it again!
Down nine with two minutes remaining, the Alaska Aces went all-out down the stretch for a thrilling 81-79 finish against the Meralco Bolts, Wednesday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scoring for the Aces was well-distributed, led by Vic Manuel’s 22-point effort to go along with 10 rebounds and two blocks. Chris Banchero, Calvin Abueva, and Jaypee Mendoza had nine markers for the Aces.
A fiery Meralco squad showed up in the early goings of the fourth quarter, as Chris Newsome delivered a basket that lifted them to their biggest lead at 68-58 with 7:58 to go in the game. Alaska struggled in a game-long defensive effort from the Bolts, that led them to five missed attempts to start the payoff period.
The Bolts remained in control, leading 77-68 with two minutes to go. However, the urgent Aces played aggressively enough to summon their frantic last hurrah, catalyzed by RJ Jazul’s free throws.
“We were down nine, I just told the guys that we have time and just play it one at a time,” shared Alex Compton.
After a chaotic scramble resulted in a turnover by Chris Newsome, the Aces racked up eight straight points in a minute, including triples from RJ Jazul and JVee Casio. At that point, they had the lead at 78-77.
However, Meralco rookie Jonathan Grey came up gutsy with a tough layup that swung the lead back to the Bolts. Fortunately for the Aces, a frantic finish led to a sloppy play for Alaska that saw the ball go in the hands of Chris Banchero for the game-winning corner triple with four seconds to go.
“Our theme for this game was to finish the play. I think it helps that we hit three three-pointers at the last two minutes,” added Compton, who was also all praises for Calvin Abueva’s efforts that he felt had been crucial down the stretch. “I wanna praise Calvin for his uncanny ability to make plays and his unbelievable amount of energy.”
Abueva, together with Alaska’s frontline, smothered Chris Newsome’s last-second drive to deny the Bolts a chance in extending the game.
“I’m most proud when he makes other people better,” claimed Compton.
Newsome had 23 for the losing Bolts, along with eight boards and five assists. Cliff Hodge added 16 markers and eight rebounds.
Alaska were out-rebounded 44-39, but shot 15-of-20 from the foul line, ten more points in the close game against Meralco’s 5-of-16 clip.
The Alaska Aces (2-2) stake their first win streak of the season on Sunday in an exciting showdown against the Barangay. Ginebra Kings (1-2) still at the Big Dome. On the other hand, Meralco (2-2) look to bounce back against the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters (2-2) on Dec. 21, at the San Juan Arena.
The Scores:
Alaska (81) – Manuel 22, Banchero 9, Abueva 9, Mendoza 9, Casio 8, Jazul 7, Dela Cruz 6, Exciminiano 4, Magat 2, Pascual 2, Hontiveros 2, Racal 1, Galliguez 0, Cruz 0.
Meralco (79) – Newsome 23, Hodge 16, Hugnatan 15, Grey 8, Daquioag 6, Amer 4, Al-Hussaini 2, Caram 2, Yeo 2, Chua 1, Faundo 0, Nabong 0, Uyloan 0.
Quarterscores: 22-26, 42-36, 55-61, 81-79
