Abueva leads Aces rout of Fuel Masters
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Alaska is back.
The Aces’ streak now stands at three as they recaptured their thunder on the defensive end and routed Phoenix, 103-87 Saturdayin the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.
RJ Jazul topscored for Alaska with 19 points, six assists, three boards, and two steals, but it was Calvin Abueva who injected his energy for the team, finishing with 18 markers and 21 boards in the victory.
Four other Aces finished in double-digits for the Aces with LaDontae Henton collecting 15 points, 20 rebounds, and four steals.
But it was the defense that did the trick for Alaska, limiting the high-scoring Fuel Masters to their lowest output at 87 on a measly 38 percent shooting, while also forcing Phoenix to 28 turnovers.
“I feel that we’re back now,” said coach Alex Compton. “The guys have responded and played much better defense.”
Phoenix was still able to cut down the deficit to as low as five, 82-77 with 8:07 remaining, but the Aces fired a 19-7 tear to pull away for good, 101-84 a little over a minute left in the game.
The win placed Alaska at 5-5, now in a four-team tie for fifth place with Phoenix, Meralco, and NLEX.
It also handed Ginebra the second twice-to-beat advantage, while eliminating Star and GlobalPort from playoff contention.
Eugene Phelps topped the Fuel Masters with 34 points and 24 rebounds, but had little help from his local counterparts.
Facing off against his former team for the first time, Cyrus Baguio tallied eight markers, three assists, two boards, and two stealsin 30 minutes for Phoenix.
The Scores:
ALASKA 103 – Jazul 19, Abueva 18, Henton 15, Banchero 11, Thoss 11, Casio 10, Dela Rosa 6, Racal 5, Baclao 4, Galliguez 3, Magat 1, Dela Cruz 0, Exciminiano 0, Hontiveros 0.
PHOENIX 87 – Phelps 34, Enciso 9, Urbiztondo 9, Baguio 8, Lee 6, Torres 6, Borboran 5, Cruz 5, Wilson 3, Buenafe 2, Lanete 0, Miranda 0, Pennisi 0, W. Wilson 0, Hayes 0.
Quarters: 29-23, 51-39, 76-66, 103-87.
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