Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Alaska Aces played the way they have all conference long, putting up a tremendous defensive effort to down the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 82-69, in Game 3 of their Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday (January 8) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With defense as their trump card, the Aces held the Batang Pier to just 13 points after the opening quarter and seized control from there.
But the high-octane GlobalPort, powered by Terrence Romeo’s 17 points, staged a brief uprising in the third quarter.
The coach Pido Jarencio-led squad even took a one-point buffer at one point in the penultimate period before Alaska stepped on the gas anew en route to their second win in the best-of-seven series.
“We just responded with a huge defensive effort,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
Vic Manuel spearheaded Alaska’s attack with 16 points, half of which he poured in the final frame.
RJ Jazul had 12 markers, while Chris Banchero and JVee Casio added 10 apiece.
“We’re up by one game against arguably the most explosive team in the league. I’m gonna enjoy this,” said Compton.
GlobalPort’s offense went ice cold when Romeo was ejected at the 6:37 mark for incurring his second technical foul.
Stanley Pringle and Doug Kramer scored 12 and 11, respectively.
Game 4 is on Sunday (January 10) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
