Streaking Alaska slows down NLEX

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces once again leaned on their “We not me” philosophy to win their third straight and snap the two-game winning streak of the NLEX Road Warriors, 89-81, on Friday, November 27, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Despite seeing a 16-point lead entering the fourth period trimmed all the way down to 4, Alaska was able to make big shots late and get enough defensive stops to hold on for the victory.

Alaska’s lone loss remains their blunder to Barangay Ginebra in an out-of-town game on the second night of a back-to-back as they improved to 6-1, which tops the PBA league standings.

NLEX fell to 4-3.

“We talked about we needed a defensive mindset this game, and I think we had it,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton, who did admit his team’s defensive tenacity in the fourth period regressed, allowing NLEX to come back.

But other than their 29-point fourth period, NLEX failed to score more than 21 points in any of the other 3 quarters.

“I really think we defended well until the fourth quarter,” said Compton.

Alaska had 4 guys in double figured led by veteran big man Sonny Thoss, who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds while out-dueling Asi Taulava.

Second-year San Beda standout Rome Dela Rosa and Vic Manuel each had 11 points, while Calvin Abueva and Eric Menk accounted for 10 and 9, respectively.

The Aces shot only 43% from the floor, but did hold NLEX to 37% shooting and forced 16 turnovers.

Reigning PBA player of the week Sean Anthony continued his hot start to the season, recording a game-high 21 points with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The veteran forward lived at the free throw line by going there 13 times, but converted just 7 charities.

As a team, the Road Warriors went 18-of-31 from the line.

“I don’t know how many free throws Sean Anthony had but I know he had a lot in the fourth. Kasalanan namin (it’s our fault),” said Compton.

Long-time bigs Enrico Villanueva and Taulava had 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Kevin Alas and Jonas Villanueva each registered 9.

NLEX used a 9-0 run capped off by 5 straight from Villanueva to pull within 4, 82-78, with 1:55 to go in the contest. 

On the next Alaska play, JVee Casio hit a huge 3-ball to give his team more breathing room. After Villanueva responded with a basket, Cyrus Baguio converted a looper to extend the lead back to 7, 87-80.

Anthony was then fouled but split his free throws, although Alaska failed to extend its lead as Manuel and Baguio missed shots. 

The Road Warriors had another opportunity to trim the lead, but a Garvo Lanete turnover off a time-out sealed their defeat with 20 seconds left.

The Aces will be back in action on Thursday, December 3, when they face the Meralco Bolts. NLEX will look to bounce back on Wednesday, December 2, against the GlobalPort Batang Pier.

Alaska (89): Thoss 16, Dela Rosa 11, Manuel 11, Abueva 10, Menk 9, Banchero 6, Casio 5, Hontiveros 5, Baguio 4, Dela Cruz 4, Exciminiano 3, Jazul 3, Racal 2, Baclao 0.

NLEX (81): Anthony 21, Villanueva E. 12, Taulava 10, Alas 9, Villanueva J. 9, Enciso 5, Reyes 5, Camson 4, Khobuntin 4, Cardona 2, Lanete 0, Arboleda 0, Apinan 0, Borboran 0.

Quarter scores: 23-15, 42-31, 68-51, 89-81 – Rappler.com