MANILA — The emotions were anticipated as Alaska Aces and Phoenix Fuel Masters finally met following the much talked-about Calvin Abueva trade.
The Aces, however, decided to expressed theirs in the game-deciding third quarter turnaround.
Alaska went ablaze right after halftime and turned back Phoenix, 108-97, in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.
The Aces dropped 34 points on the Fuel Masters in the third quarter to pull off a rally.
Alaska then went on a 10-0 run midway in the fourth to pull away for good.
Mike Harris had a relatively better outing than his debut against the Meralco, only needing 14 field goal attempts for 23 points on top of 11 rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and one steal for the Aces.
His fellow starters also did the damage as they proved they can move on without Abueva.
Chris Banchero flirted with a double-double of 19 points and nine assists with four rebounds and two steals.
Simon Enciso fired six triples for all of his 18 points with two rebounds and four assists.
Nonoy Baclao had his best game with the Aces, pouring in 15 markers, seven boards, two dimes, and two blocks.
For the Fuel Masters, Eugene Phelps made 27 points, 24 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Jason Perkins added 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting, two rebounds, and three assists.
Abueva made 18 markers, nine boards, two dimes, one steal, and one block in his first game against the team that drafted him second overall in 2012. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
