(CNN Philippines) — Alaska Aces sputtered at the onset but gained steam in the second half on their way to a 101-95 victory over the Barako Bull Energy in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup match at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Saturday (June 13).
The Aces turned a catch-up game into a breakaway thanks in large part to import Romeo Travis, who frolicked with an all-around effort of 23 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block.
More importantly, the 6-foot-5 reinforcement made things rough for counterpart Liam McMorrow.
The high-octane Barako Bull import had 26 points, but was a dud in the final frame where he failed to score a single field goal.
“He didn’t (Travis) completely shut him (McMorrow) down, but he pretty much stopped him,” Alaska coach Alex Compton said of his prized import, who limited McMorrow to a single point in the fourth quarter.
The Aces, who rallied back from a 62-40 halftime deficit, tied San Miguel Beer atop the heap with identical 7-2 win-loss haul.
Chris Banchero had 20 points off the bench for Alaska, while Calvin Abueva added 16 points.
Meanwhile, Barako Bull reeled to third place with a 6-3 card.
RR Garcia had 19 points, and Joseph Yeo and Chico Lanete chipped in 18 points apiece.
McMorrow and Garcia conspired as Barako Bull raced off to a scintillating 22-9 start.
The Energy continued to step on the gas in the second period and wrapped up the first half with a comfortable 62-40 cushion.
But Travis, Abueva, and RJ Jazul joined forces in the penultimate quarter to slice the deficit to just one, 70-71.
Banchero scored on breakaway layup at the 8:31 mark of the final quarter as Alaska took an 82-81 lead that never relinquished.
Things went downhill for the Energy from there despite efforts from Yeo and Garcia to regain the lead.
