Alaska takes care of Blackwater for second win

MANILA, Philippines – Cory Jefferson put up 28 points and tracked down 15 rebounds as the Alaska Aces zipped past Blackwater Elite, 109-95, in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, March 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rookie Carl Bryan Cruz contributed 15 markers and 3 boards off the bench as the Aces, runners-up in last year’s second conference, built an advantage of up to 21 points.

Chris Exciminiano and Kevin Racal added 13 and 12 points, respectively, as veteran slot man Sonny Thoss posted 10 points with 7 rebounds. Calvin Abueva was quiet with just 9 markers on 4-of-6 field goals plus 4 boards.

Alaska overpowered Blackwater in the paint with a 54-32 scoring advantage in that area, along with an 18-7 edge in second chance points.

The Elite, who have yet to win in two games, had Reil Cervantes pouring in 21 points off the bench while import Greg Smith settled for 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Roi Sumang and Ronjay Buenafe combined for 24 points as Blackwater fell behind by double figures in the fourth.

Scores:

Alaska (109): Jefferson 28, Cruz 15, Exciminiano 13, Racal 12, Thoss 10, Abueva 9, Galliguez 7, Pascual 5, Banchero 4, Mendoza 4, Enciso 2.

Blackwater (95): Cervantes 21, Smith 14, Sumang 13, Buenafe 11, Belo 9, Digregorio 8, Ababou 4, Sena 4, Pascual 4, Aguilar 3, Gamalinda 2, Miranda 2, Pinto 0.

Quarter scores: 27-23, 52-43, 80-68, 109-95.

– Rappler.com