Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Alaska Aces played the way they have all season long, fighting back from 18 points down to beat the Star Hotshots, 97-91, and take the headstart in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup semifinals duel at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday (July 1).
Import Travis Romeo led the comeback with 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Aces, who were trailing 36-51 at the half before coming alive in the third period to turn the game into a swashbuckling contest.
Both teams exchanged jabs after that, but Alaska pulled away after scoring seven straight points capped by a Dondon Hontiveros triple, 77-70, in the fourth period.
From there, the Aces kept the Hotshots at arm’s length.
“I told my players at the half that we were playing like they’re (Hotshots) our kuya, we’re playing like we respect them too much,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
“We had to play our game, and I thought we did in the second half.”
The Hotshots were paced by import Marqus Blakely, who finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three blocks.
PJ Simon and Mark Barroca added 16 and 15 points, respectively.
