Alaska opens farewell tour on high note, edges ROS

Olu Ashaolu delivered in the endgame for the Aces. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Alaska began its final hurrah in the PBA on a winning note after taking down Rain Or Shine, 80-74, in their PBA Governors' Cup match-up at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

In their first game since announcing their impending departure from the league after 35 seasons, the Aces prevailed over the Elasto Painters in a tightly-contested showdown.

After being held scoreless for the first three and a half minutes of the fourth period, Alaska took charge in the final 8:30 of the game and kept ROS at bay with crucial shots from Olu Ashaolu and Maverick Ahanmisi helping the former seal the deal.

Ashaolu led the Aces, who are now tied with the Phoenix Fuel Masters for third place in the standings at 4-2, with 23 points on 9-for-12 shooting, 17 rebounds, and four assists.

Ahanmisi added 14 markers on 6-of-10 shots, four boards, three dimes, and one steal.

Henry Walker put up 25 points to lead the Elasto Painters along with 13 caroms, four assists, and one steal, but he went 7-for-30 from the field including a dismal 1-for-12 from two-point range as they fell to a tie with the TNT Tropang Giga for eighth place at 3-4.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno