By Dugout Philippines
Alaska almost let a late 14-point lead slip but held on to an 87-84 victory over GlobalPort in their PBA Philippine Cup meeting at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan De Oro City.
In a game that featured a shootout between Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo, Abueva's Aces led Romeo's Batang Pier, 79-65, with less than eight minutes left in the ballgame.
But Alex Cabagnot and Stanley spearheaded the Batang Pier's comeback bid to cut the lead to three, 87-84, with 2:11 to go.
GlobalPort had a chance to inch closer after Alaska failed to convert in the next play.
But Romeo badly missed a wild three-pointer that would have tied the match.
The Batang Pier, however, were given another chance as the Aces once again bricked their next offensive.
But Yancy De Ocampo's open three-pointer from the corner hit the side of the backboard.
De Ocampo grabbed his own miss, but his follow-up jumper just hit the rim, and the Aces held on to the ball in the end.
Abueva made 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting and six rebounds to lead Alaska, which bounced back from a stunning loss to Barako Bull on Wednesday.
Romeo had a game-high 26 for GlobalPort.
Box Scores:
Alaska 87–Abueva 19, Casio 14, Baguio 10, Thoss 10, Jazul 8, Menk 7, Manuel 6, Banchero 4, Exciminiano 4, Hontiveros 3, Dela Rosa 2, Eman 0, Dela Cruz 0
Globalport 84–Romeo 26, Pringle 15, Cabagnot 15, Isip 12, De Ocampo 6, Buenafe 5, Ponferada 3, Jensen 2, Taha 0, Pinto 0, Cabrera 0, Baclao 0
Quarterscores: 15-22, 33-37, 66-60, 87-84
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