Aces stymie Batang Pier for fifth straight win

MANILA, Philippines — Alaska bucked a lethargic start to turn back a gritty GlobalPort side, 109-103 in Saturday night’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup action at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Behind the efforts of import Antonio Campbell and Chris Banchero, the Aces slowly chaffed on the Batang Pier’s lead in the second half.

Simon’ Enciso’s triple toward the end of the third turned wrested the momentum from GlobalPort, letting Alaska’s younger personnel to take turns on building the lead.

Banchero reprised his hot shooting as Vic Manuel joined the fray, helping the Aces march to a 5-1  win-loss card, and extend their win streak to five in the mid-season joust.

“I loved the grit and I expected that we need that in this game. I think GlobalPort’s the grittiest team in the league. They’re physical, they play hard,” Alaska head coach Alex Compton said.

“On our side, Chris… he’s just gone through a tremendous loss,” he shared, lauding his wards’ resilience. Banchero was dealing with his best friend’s passing. The cager finished with 19 points on a 50% shooting clip, and seven assists.

The Aces indeed showed poise as they managed to claw their way back into the game even without Calvin Abueva, who was out to attend to “family matters.” They erased what was a 15-point lead by the Batang Pier and completed a turnaround that translated to 21 points. 

Alaska joins the ranks of Rain or Shine and Magnolia as the only teams with a single loss almost halfway through the Commissioners Cup.

Compton and his crew will enjoy a week’s length worth of break before taking on the league-leading Hotshots on June 10. GlobalPort, for its part, takes on a recovering San Miguel Beer on June 13.

The scores:

Alaska 109 - Manuel 22, Banchero 19, Campbell 18, Casio 12, Racal 10, Thoss 8, Teng 8, Enciso 6, Exciminiano 3, Magat 3.

GlobalPort 103 - White 27, Pringle 26, Anthony 16, Nabong 12, Javelona 7, Grey 6, Tautuaa 5, Elorde 4, Teng 0, Arana 0.

Quarters: 20-29,50-59, 85-83, 109-103.