Jeron Teng top-scored for the Aces in their first win of the season. PBA Images |
MANILA--Alaska put up a solid performance near the end of its PBA Saturday night showdown against Magnolia and walked away with an 87-81 victory at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
The Aces took the lead from the Hotshots after going on a 6-1 mini run midway through the fourth quarter to take a 74-70 lead with 4:26 left.
Jvee Casio and Mike Digregorio then went to work, drilling in clutch baskets to keep Magnolia at bay.
But it was defense that settled the outcome of the match.
Despite losing prime stopper Kevin Racal to a season-ending knee injury on Sunday night, Alaska showed defensive grit in the end when Casio blocked Jack Corpuz's three-point attempt that led to Jeron Teng's insurance free throws at the other end.
Teng finished with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, six rebounds, and one assist for the Aces, who won for the first time this season after two straight losses.
Casio added 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, two rebounds, two assists, and the lone block on Corpuz.
Mark Barroca posted 16 markers, three boards, five dimes, and two swipes for the Hotshots, who joined their tormentors at 1-2 as they could not sustain a solid first quarter.
Box Scores:
Alaska 87-Teng 19, Casio 17, Tratter 10, Digregorio 10, Manuel 9, Herndon 7, Galliguez 6, Ebona 5, Brondial 4, Ayaay 0, Marcelino 0, Publico 0
Magnolia 81-Barroca 16, Lee 14, Banchero 13, Jalalon 11, Dionisio 10, Sangalang 8, Dela Rosa 7, Corpuz 2, Reavis 0, Melton 0, Abundo 0
Quarterscores: 21-29, 43-45, 62-64, 87-81
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