Alaska survives gritty Mahindra in first of two successive Dubai games
THE ALASKA Aces made clutch free throws down the stretch and held off the hard-fighting Mahindra Enforcers, 98-94, early morning last Saturday (Manila time) in their out-of-the-country encounter of the 41st PBA Philippine Cup at the Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai.
The hard-earned victory allowed the Aces to tie the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the number one spot with similar 2-0 (win-loss) records.
The Aces were to play their second game in two nights late last night at the same venue against the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Ginebra went into the match searching for its first win after dropping their first two assignments. Alaska was eyeing the leadership.
Alaska led by as many 15 points but Mahindra charged back and forced an 87-all standoff when Aldrech Ramos hit a fade-away jumper in the final 1:27.
Calvin Abueva gave Alaska the lead back with a split free throw then forced Mahindra point guard LA Revilla to miss a layup in the next play.
Jvee Casio made it a three-point Alaska lead with a basket in the paint and after an empty possession by Mahindra in the next play, Vic Manuel sank two gift shots as the Aces stretched the lead to five, 92-87, with 30 seconds to go.
The Enforcers last threatened at 94-96 but Abueva and Casio iced the win for the Aces with made free throws.
Manuel topped the Aces with 17 points and nine rebounds. Abueva added 15 markers and 13 boards, while Casio chipped in 12 points.
Revilla led the way for Mahindra with 19 points and six assists, Mark Yee came off the bench to deliver 17 markers and 13 rebounds.
Mahindra playing coach Manny Pacquiao started the game to the delight of the crowd. He played for six minutes and 55 seconds but missed all of his four attempts as the Enforcers succumbed to a third defeat in as many games.
THE SCORES
ALASKA (98)– Manuel 17, Abueva 15, Casio 12, Baguio 8, Thoss 7, Dela Rosa 7, Menk 7, Dela Cruz 6, Hontiveros 6, Jazul 5, Banchero 4, Magat 4, Baclao 0, Exciminiano 0.
MAHINDRA (94) – Revilla 19, Yee 17, Canaleta 12, Ramos 12, Bagatsing 8, Guinto 6, Pinto 5, Paredes 5, Laure 4, Hubalde 4, Webb 2, Pacquiao 0, Baloria 0, Alvarez 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 31-22, 53-40, 70-66, 98-94.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
