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Alaska revives late playoff push with win over hapless Blackwater

Jeron Teng carried the fight again for the Aces. PBA Media Group
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Alaska kept its hopes to breach into the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals alive on Saturday night after pipping Blackwater, 101-91, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces held on despite a third quarter surge from the Elite that kept them in the game between teams at the bottom of the standings.

Alaska quickly opened a double-digit spread in the first quarter and even led by 26 points, 62-36, early in the third.

However, Blackwater came alive later in the quarter and eventually made 39 points the entire period to trim the lead down to nine, 84-75.

That turned out to be the team's last hurrah as Alaska turned to its defense in the final frame, holding its opponent to just 16 points, to seal the win.

Jeron Teng made 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists for the Aces, who tied their victims at 2-6.

Abu Tratter, playing his best game so far in his rookie season, and Frank House each added 18 markers.

Marqus Blakely made 19 points, seven boards, seven dimes, two steals, and four blocks for the Elite.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno