Alaska blasts Romeo-less GlobalPort

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces sent out a loud message to the rest of the league by way of a 107-79 rout of the GlobalPort Batang Pier on Saturday, March 18 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Import Cory Jefferson piled up 28 points on 4-of-7 shooting from deep, to go with 14 rebounds and two blocks as the Aces, runners-up in this conference last season, played a statement game in their 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut.

Jefferson was a last-minute replacement for Octavius Ellis – cousin of the Indiana Pacers’ Monta – who went back home to the US last week reportedly to attend to a family matter.

Star Calvin Abueva, fresh from Gilas Pilipinas training camp this past week, once again came off the bench for a strong performance of 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists as Alaska raced off to a double-digit advantage in the first half.

Sonny Thoss and Jake Pascual chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Alaska, a team looking to bounce back strong from a stinging quarterfinals upset loss to Barangay Ginebra last conference.

Meanwhile, GlobalPort played sans star guard Terrence Romeo, who is reportedly dealing with an illness that likewise caused him to miss the national team’s 3-day training camp in Tagaytay.

His backcourt partner Stanley Pringle shouldered much of the offense with 27 points, 7 boards, 6 dimes, and 5 steals.

Reinforcement Sean Williams was the only other Batang Pier player in double figures with 18 points on top of 19 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Scores:

Alaska (107): Jefferson 28, Abueva 15, Thoss 13, Pascual 12, Galliguez 9, Banchero 8, Exciminiano 7, Enciso 6, Magat 4, Racal 3, Dela Cruz 2, Mendoza 0, Andrada 0.

GlobalPort (79): Pringle 27, Williams 18, Quinahan 8, Canaleta 6, Cortez 6, Pessumal 5, Mamaril 4, Maierhofer 3, Aban 2, Pennisi 0, Paredes 0. 

Quarter scores: 32-24, 59-42, 81-58, 107-79.

 – Rappler.com