Alaska stuns NLEX, completes QF cast
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 12:16:25 +0000
ALASKA stunned Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX), 106-90, on Wednesday to complete the quarterfinal cast of Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
Riding on a strong start and great defense, the Aces controlled the game the rest of the way to close out the elimination round on a high note with five wins against six losses to secure seventh place in the quarterfinals.
Import Frank House scatterred 24 points, grabbed eight rebounds and five assists while five other local players scored in double figures, led by Jayvee Casio (12), Kevin Racal (12), Abu Tratter (12), Vic Manuel (10), and Robbie Herndon (10) to lead the Aces.
“I just want to mention that this game was really, really all the players just really coming in and just being ready,” said Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “I challenged them to be playoff ready this week in practice.”
Alaska will be facing either twice-to-beat teams TNT KaTropa or Meralco at the start of the quarterfinals.
“The way we were practicing, the way we were engaged, the way we were focused, it is as if [it’s] playoff time because that’s how we need to look at it or else, we wouldn’t have a chance tonight.”
Mike Harris led NLEX with 22 points.
Despite the loss, the Road Warriors stay on top with an 8-3 win-loss record.
Scores:
Alaska 106 – House 24, Casio 12, Racal 12, Tratter 12, Manuel 10, Herndon 10, Ahanmisi 8, Enciso 7, Ayaay 4, Brondial 4, Thoss 3, Galliguez 0.
NLEX 90 – Harris 22, Quinahan 17, Ravena 15, Ighalo 5, Soyud 4, Paniamogan 4, Miranda 2, Cruz 2, Alas 0, Fonacier 0.
Quarterscores: 33-23, 63-46, 81-65, 106-90.
JOSEF T. RAMOS