Alaska tramples Phoenix in first match-up since Abueva trade

Mike Harris battles for the loose ball against Willie Wilson and Justin Chua. PBA Media Bureau
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The emotions were anticipated as Alaska and Phoenix finally met following the much talked-about Calvin Abueva trade.

The Aces, however, decided to expressed theirs in the game-deciding third quarter turnaround.

Alaska went ablaze right after halftime and turned back Phoenix, 108-97, in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

The Aces dropped 34 points on the Fuel Masters in the third quarter to pull off the endgame rally.

Alaska then went on a 10-0 run midway in the fourth to pull away from Phoenix for good.

Mike Harris had a relatively better outing than his debut against the Meralco, only needing 14 field goal attempts for his 23 points on top of 11 rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and one steal for the Aces.

But it was his fellow starters that did the damage as they proved they can move on without Abueva.

Chris Banchero flirted with a double-double of 19 points and nine assists with four rebounds and two steals.

Simon Enciso fired six triples for all of his 18 points with two rebounds and four assists.

Nonoy Baclao had his best game with the Aces, pouring in 15 markers, seven boards, two dimes, and two blocks.

Eugene Phelps made 27 points, 24 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks for the Fuel Masters.

Jason Perkins added 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting, two rebounds, and three assists.

Abueva made 18 markers, nine boards, two dimes, one steal, and one block in his first game against the team that drafted him second overall in 2012.

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