
Aces gain q’finals bonus
Games Nov. 4:
(Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – NLEX vs. Rain or Shine
6:45 p.m. – San Miguel vs. Meralco
BONUS for Alaska Milk.
Alaska rode on Mike Harris’ monster game of 27 points and 25 rebounds to subdue NorthPort, 95-85, and clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Harris hit 11-of-16 shots in 39 minutes in a virtual scoring duel with NorthPort’s Rashad Woods as the Aces overcame moments of complacency and weathered Batang Pier’s upset bid.
The Aces finished the elimination round with an 8-3 win-loss record to to secure the second twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
A crippling14-0 fourth-quarter run spelled the difference for the Alex Comption-coached Aces.
Compton said a halftime pep talk by Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu provided the inspiration to the team.
“It was short. It was powerful and the guys responded. I’ll leave it at that,” said Compton when asked what Uytengsu told the players during his halftime pep talk.
A triple by JVee Casio triggered the Aces’ game-chaning run that enabled them to tie the game to counter NorthPort’s own 8-0 spurt that put the Batang Pier ahead by three.
Kevin Racal followed with a triple and Harris comleted a three-point play as the Aces finally took control, 89-78 lead.
Chris Banchero added 15 points, five assists and three rebounds while Jeron Tengcontributed 13 points, four rebounds and three assists in the win.
Vic Manuel had 12 points and seven rebounds and Casio had 11.
Woods finished with 33 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter alone, abd 13 rebounds for the Batang Pier, who wound up their campaign in the season-ending conference at 2-9.
Stanley Pringle and Mo Tautuaa finished with 15 and 13 points, respectively, in the Batang Pier’s losing effort.
Sean Anthony had 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The scores:
Alaska (95) -- Harris 27, Banchero 15, Teng 13, Manuel 12, Casio 11, Racal 9, Baclao 6, Enciso 2, Thoss 0, Exciminiano 0, Galliguez 0. NorthPort (85) -- Woods 33, Pringle 15, Tautuaa 13, Anthony 10, Elorde 4, Grey 4, Arana 2, Guinto 2, Gabayni 2, Espinas 0, Fortuna 0, Javelona 0.
Quarterscores: 24-15; 41-47; 64-62; 95-85.