MANILA, Philippines — Alaska kept a pesky Phoenix side at bay, 108-97, in a battle of undefeated teams on Wednesday night's PBA Governors' Cup elimination phase at the Big Dome.
Alaska's Mike Harris had an underwhelming performance for an import with just 23 points and 11 boards. But locals Chris Banchero, Simon Enciso, and Noy Baclao stepped up big to keep their run unscathed and hike it to three games. The trio all had double-digit scoring performances.
"I thought (Phoenix) kind of handled us in the first half. Second half, I was really glad to see some guys [who] don’t get as many minutes, have key minutes," Aces mentor Alex Compton offered.
"We just knew that this was going to be a tough game," he added after a deep sigh.
Baclao, who was drafted exactly eight years ago today, posted his best performance in an Alaska uniform.
The tussle marks the first time the Aces faced Calvin Abueva, their star for six years who they traded away before the season-ending conference. He finished with 18 points on a 5-for-14 shooting clip.
The Aces seek their fourth straight win against Barangay Ginebra this Sunday.
The Fuel Masters, on the other hand, will try to bounce back TNT KaTropa this Friday.
Both meetings will be played at the Araneta Coliseum.
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The Scores:
Alaska 108 - Harris 23, Banchero 19, Enciso 18, Baclao 15, Manuel 9, Racal 8, Exciminiano 5, Casio 5, Teng 4, Pascual 2.
Phoenix 97 - Phelps 27, Perkins 20, Abueva 18, Wright 13, Chua 6, Jazul 6, Intal 5, Revilla 2, Wilson 0.
Quarters: 19-22, 54-49, 83-78, 108-97
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