Hot-shooting Alaska cruises past GlobalPort

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces raced off to a strong start in the first half despite an explosive scoring performance by Terrence Romeo and held on to their large lead for the remainder of the game to defeat the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 123-104, and improve to 4-1 in the 2015-2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday, November 20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was the typical, well-balanced scoring output from Alaska, which had 8 people score in double figures and shot a total 51% from the field.

Cyrus Baguio led all Aces scorers with 17 points while Vic Manuel wasn’t far behind with 16 points.

Chris Banchero, RJ Jazul, and Sonny Thoss each put up 14 points, while Eric Menk, Calvin Abueva, and JVee Casio registered 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.

“I like our pace, I like how we shared the ball, I like the way we defended as a team,” Alaska head coach Alex Compton said after the game. 

His team also hit 38% from downtown and limited the Batang Pier to 41% shooting. 

Romeo was one of the lone bright spots for GlobalPort, finishing with 33 points and 5 assists off the bench.

Stanley Pringle, who hit the game-winner in his team’s last win, had 16 points and 7 boards but dealt with foul trouble.

“I don’t know. We certainly didn’t make guarding Terrence Romeo look easy, that’s for sure. That kid can score,” said Compton, whose team improved to 4-1.

“Stanley Pringle’s obviously an awesome player. We attacked him and were able to get fouls on him,” said the head coach, who related risking Romeo going off while focusing on Pringle as cutting of one of a hydra’s heads.

“Getting Stanley in foul trouble was intentional and it worked, thank goodness,” the coach said.

Alaska raced off to a 34-25 lead after one quarter and cruised to a 60-50 lead at the halftime break. GlobalPort got within 6 at one point in the third quarter, but timely shots from the Aces’ bench established a 94-78 lead entering the final period.

“We scored a lot as a team, so that’s one big factor there,” said Compton, whose bench provided 66 points.

Alaska also forced 17 GlobalPort turnovers that led to 20 points. The Batang Pier didn’t lead a single second of the contest.

“You don’t always overcome the challenges, but at this point, we’re 4 and 1. If this game is an indicator, then I’d be happy with the way we’re playing,” said Compton.

Alaska, who’s now tied with San Miguel atop the league standings, will be back in action on Tuesday, November 24, against the Star Hotshots.

GlobalPort, who dropped to 3-2, will face Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday, November 25.

Alaska (123) – Baguio 17, Manuel 16, Banchero 14, Jazul 14, Thoss 14, Menk 12, Abueva 11, Casio 10, Baclao 4, Dela Rosa 4, Hontiveros 4, Dela Cruz 3, Exciminiano 0, Racal 0.

GlobalPort (104) – Romeo 33, Pringle 16, Mamaril 13, Kramer 11, Maierhofer 10, Uyloan 6, Washington 6, Yeo 5, Jensen 2, Sumang 2, Paniamogan 0, Taha 0.

Quarter scores: 34-25, 60-50, 94-78, 123-104 – Rappler.com