Alaska blasts Columbian for 1st win

Jake Pascual stepped up mightily for the Aces. PBA Media Group

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The Alaska Aces bounced back from a rough Philippine Basketball Association season debut by blasting the Columbian Dyip, 94-72, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Wednesday night.

Alaska led from wire to wire, shutting Columbian down in the first and the third quarters before opening a 30-point lead in the final period.

Carl Cruz, who was seldom used last season, dropped 20 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one block for the Aces, who scored their first win for 2019.

Jake Pascual added 13 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one assist, while Ping Exciminiano contributed 12 markers, one rebound, two dimes, and two steals for the Alex Compton-mentored squad.

CJ Perez put up 15 markers, five boards, one dime, and one swipe for the Dyip, who fell to 2-4.

Rashawn McCarthy, one of the Dyip’s key players last season, was held to just two points, although he also had six rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Columbian struggled heavily, only making 36 percent of its field goals and a more measly 37 percent of its free throws.

Alaska, on the other hand, was fluid offensively, assisting on 23 made field goals against only eight turnovers.

The scores:

Alaska 94 - Cruz 20, Pascual 13, Exciminiano 12, Banchero 10, Potts 9, Teng 8, Ayaay 8, Baclao 6, Thoss 4, Galliguez 4.

Columbian 72 - Perez 15, Corpuz 12, Khobuntin 8, Cabrera 6, Reyes 5, Escoto 5, Gabriel 5, Cahilig 4, Camson 4, Calvo 4, McCarthy 2, Tabi 2, Agovida 0.

Quarters: 20-13, 46-36, 68-50, 94-72.

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