ALASKA GETS BACK ON TRACK
Alaska made good use of its fresh, healthy bodies as it overpowered an off-form Rain or Shine side, 94-79, for its first win in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday night.
Playing only their second game in the tourney and first in five days, the Aces, led by their bull-strong import Wendell McKines, ran roughshod over the Elasto Painters and finally joined all the other teams in the win column.
“We have fresh legs and we took advantage of that,” said coach Luigi Trillo as his troops dealt Rain or Shine a loss that allowed Petron Blaze to gain solo league leadership with a 3-1 win-loss card.
The Boosters, earlier in the night, clobbered the Air21 Express, 112-86.
With the loss, the Elasto Painters slid to fourth place at 2-2, behind the Boosters and joint second placers the GlobalPort Batang Pier (2-1) and the Barako Bull Energy (2-1).
The Aces are right behind the leaders after bouncing back from their 88-91 loss to the Batang Pier Friday.
“We didn’t shoot the ball well and we gave away more than 90 points in our first game. Kulang sa gigil. Ngayon, there’s a little more fire in our eyes,” said Trillo.
The Aces, the Commissioner’s Cup champs, were a determined lot, punishing the E-Painters badly in the middle.
McKines, with his brute strength, was a big punisher, coming through with 30 points all inside the paint.
“Wendell did a good job. He’s more of a scorer and he’s bull-strong inside,” said Trillo.
Calvin Abueva, a contender for the season MVP award, made just four points but grabbed 13 rebounds.
Jayvee Casio, Cyrus Baguio and RJ Jazul made it a balanced game for Alaska as they scored at least 10 points each in the game marred by four technical fouls and the ejection of Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao with two minutes left to play.
Guiao was obviously frustrated with his team struggling with their shots all night, going 0-of-12 from beyond the arc in the first half.
The E-Painters badly missed the services of Paul Lee who sustained a sprained ankle in practice.
With much better ball rotation and shooting, the Aces seized control early and set the pace to the finish. (SB)
The scores:
Alaska 94 – McKines 30, Casio 21, Baguio 12, Jazul 10, Espinas 7, Thoss 5, Hontiveros 5, Abueva 4, Ramos 0, Reyes 0, Belasco 0.
Rain or Shine 79 – Reid 22, Tiu 10, Chan 10, Norwood 7, Quinahan 7, Tang 5, Ibanes 5, Matias 4, Belga 3, Cruz 2, Rodriguez 2, Arana 2, Uyloan 0, Jaime 0.
Quarters: 22-16, 46-34, 70-61, 94-79
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