Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — It was a nip-and-tuck contest, until the Mahindra Enforcers seized control late in the third quarter on their way to a 102-94 win over the Alaska Aces in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Monday (March 22).
One of those who stepped up in the last 24 minutes of action was Aldrech Ramos, who scored all his 25 points in the second half.
Ramos, who also collared seven rebounds, also did wonders in the homestretch when the Aces were threatening to unleash a comeback.
The lanky forward helped turn their 82-80 lead into a comfortable 12-point cushion capped by back-to-back three-pointers, 99-87.
Alaska didn’t back down and clamped down on defense, resulting in a mini 7-1 run, 100-94, inside the final 60 seconds of the tussle.
But time was not on the side of the Aces.
In the final play, Mahindra coach Chito Victolero decided to field in Hyram Bagatsing for import Augustus Gilchrist.
Bagatsing, in the process, canned a pair of free throws with 8.1 ticks to put the final nail in the coffin.
“It’s a very important game for us. We needed to bounce back,” said Victolero, whose team snapped a three-game slide for an even 4-4 record.
Nino Canaleta and Gilchrist had 17 and 16 markers, respectively.
Alaska, meanwhile, dropped its second straight game.
Shane Edwards paced the Aces (5-3) with 24 points, 13 boards, and three assists.
