ALASKA PULVERIZES KIA
Alaska bounced back bigtime from its unsatisfactory showing against NLEX three days ago, shellacking Kia, 101-63, Friday in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The win elevated the Aces to a share of the second spot with their 5-2 slate with San Miguel Beer, just half a game behind league-leading Barako Bull’s 5-1.
Kia, which succumbed to its worst loss in eight montsh in the league thus far, fell to a second straight loss and an 3-3 overall record, good for a sixth place tie with Talk ‘N Text in the standings.
“Last game, sinabi sa akin ni JVee (Casio) na medyo nagrelax kami nung lumamang kami ng 13. I was outcoached by coach Boyet (Fernandez) in our game against NLEX. Tonight, it was a superior effort by all of the guys on our team,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton. “The guys in the last six minutes honored the game. Ginawa nila ng buong buo yung mga ginagawa namin sa practice. I told them no showboating and they just have to play hard, and they did.”
It was a balanced attack from the Aces, which broke off to a 23-12 advantage after one and never looked back en route to the franchise’s third most lopsided win since at least the 23 years.
Vic Manuel paced the team in scoring with 17 points, as import Romeo Travis recorded a double-double in the big victory with his 14 markers and 10 boards.
Alaska also drew big contributions from Chris Banchero and Dondon Hontiveros, who both had 14 points apiece, while JVee Casio added 11.
Calvin Abueva also made an impact of his own, hauling down 15 rebounds and dishing off six assists, to go with his eight points.
Hamady N’Diaye, who left the game permenently with 1:51 left in the third period after getting poked in the eye, still led Kia with his 18 points and seven rebounds, while Jet Chang added 10 for the Carnival, who were outscored off the benc 29-6. (RL)
The scores:
ALASKA 101 – Manuel 17, Travis 14, Banchero 14, Hontiveros 14, Casio 11, Jazul 9, Abueva 8, Exciminiano 7, Baclao 2, Menk 2, Thoss 2, Dela Rosa 1, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0, Baguio 0.
KIA 63 – N’Diaye 18, Chang 10, Avenido 7, Dehesa 5, Pascual 4, Alvarez 4, Nuyles 4, Revilla 3, Bagatsing 2, Ighalo 2, Thiele 2, Yee 2, Parreno 0, Buensuceso 0, Webb 0, Deutchman 0.
Quarterscores: 23-12, 42-30, 70-49, 101-63.
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