Alaska flexed its muscles in the clutch to notch a vital 95-85 victory over the exiting NorthPort Batang Pier to assure itself a top four finish in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Mike Harris was a workhorse all game, turning in another monster performance with 27 points, 25 rebounds and five assists for a double-double to lead the way for the Aces.
The victory enabled Alaska to finish with an 8-3 mark and earn a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals against a lower-seeded team.
As for the Batang Pier, its conference ends with a dismal 2-9 slate for 11th place.
The Aces turned a nip-and-tuck contest into a rousing finish in the last five minutes with a decisive surge.
Down 75-78 halfway the fourth, Alaska stepped on the gas pedal to uncork a key 14-0 run to put the game away.
A completed three-point play by Harris finished the run to give the Aces a sizeable 89-78 spread with 2:04 left which virtually decided the outcome of the match.
Chris Banchero added 15 points and five assists for Alaska while Jeron Teng had 13.
NorthPort was led by Rashad Woods’ game-high 33 points.
The Batang Pier had a good shot of ending its campaign on a positive note.
However, it was not meant to be as it once again fell short in the endgame.
The scores:
Alaska Aces 95 – Mike Harris 27, Chris Banchero 15, Jeron Teng 13, Vic Manuel 12, Jvee Casio 11, Kevin Racal 9, Noy Baclao 6, Simon Enciso 2, Sonny Thoss 0, Ping Exciminiano 0, Abel Galliguez 0.
NorthPort Batang Pier 85 – Rashad Woods 33, Stanley Pringle 15, Moala Tautuaa 13, Sean Anthony 10, Nico Elorde 4, Jonathan Grey 4, Ryan Arana 2, Guinto 2, Joseph Gabayni 2, Gabby Espinas 0, Jeric Fortuna 0, Nico Javelona 0.
Quarter scores: 24-15, 41-47, 64-62, 95-85.
