The Alaska Aces got their third straight victory while keeping their playoff hopes alive as they pulled a late quarter surge to past the winless KIA Picanto, 102-94, in 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday night.
Calvin Abueva changed the complexion of the game for Alaska with his monstrous double-double performance of 26 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists.
Alaska was trailing behind by 10 points going into the last period of the ball game until the collective efforts of the Aces paid off, reclaiming the lead in the last 5 minutes of the quarter.
It was a nip-and-tuck battle in the last 2 minutes of the game until KIA import Geron Marquis Johnson throws a cold-blooded triple to tie the game at 94-all but Aces refused to go down without a single fight as LaDontae Henton answered with his own version of three to again grab the 3-point lead.
A last minute turnover from LA Revilla gave Alaska another chance to expand the lead, and JV Casio responded with a crucial fade away shot to provide a comfortable lead for the Aces and seal the win.
Casio also had his big game with 20 markers and 7 dimes, while the reinforcement Henton also provided a double-double performance with 20 points, 13 boards and 7 assists.
Alaska Aces climbed into the standings with their three consecutive wins while KIA Picanto still winless on their 8 games.
The scores:
ALASKA 102 – Abueva 26, Henton 20, Casio 20, Exciminiano 14, Banchero 11, Thoss 4, Racal 3, Baclao 2, Cruz 2, Mendoza 0, Magat 0, Pascual 0, Galliguez 0, Enciso 0.
KIA 94 – Johnson 39, Paniamogan 12, Elorde 11, Yee 11, Khobuntin 10, Ballesteros 4, Celda 3, Jaime 2, Corpuz 2, Revilla 0, Camson 0, Salva 0.
Quarterscores: 23-27, 46-51, 67-77, 102-94.
