Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 16) – The Alaska Aces live to fight another day in their final conference in the PBA after forcing a do-or-die quarterfinals match against the NLEX Road Warriors, 93-79, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The second seed NLEX held a commanding 26-12 lead after the first quarter, but the seventh seed Alaska limited their opponents to 12 points in the second quarter to gain the halftime advantage at 40-38.
The Aces became more assertive in the offensive end in the second half as Jeron Teng, Mike Tolomia, and Abu Tratter spearheaded the charge for the Jeff Cariaso-mentored squad.
Alaska tallied its biggest lead of the game at 84-67 with over four minutes remaining in the game following a three-point basket by new import Mark St. Fort, who led the team with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Teng contributed 16 markers while Tratter added 12 points and 10 boards.
“We didn’t want this to be our last game,” Cariaso said. “We’re closer to seeing what could possibly be the end. That in itself is a challenge and a motivation for all of us on its own.”
New NLEX import Cameron Clark scored 25 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in his debut. Kevin Alas chipped in 17 markers for the Yeng Guiao-coached squad.
The Aces and the Road Warriors will see each other again on Saturday for their knockout quarterfinals game.
Alaska is set to leave the PBA after the ongoing Governors’ Cup – ending a rich team history that lasted for almost 36 years where they won 14 titles.
The Scores:
ALASKA 93 – Saint Fort 17, Teng 16, Tratter 12, Tolomia 10, DiGregorio 9, Taha 9, Ahanmisi 6, Bulanadi 5, Ilagan 3, Racal 3, Faundo 3, Stockton 0, Adamos 0,
NLEX 79 – Clark 25, Alas 17, Trollano 12, Rosales 7, Paniamogan 5, Quinahan 4, Nieto 3, Chua 2, Ighalo 2, Soyud 2, Miranda 0, Varilla 0
Quarterscores: 12-26, 40-38, 64-55, 93-79
