Aces roll past Elite for easy Govs Cup opening win

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – All but one player made it to the scoreboard for the Alaska Aces as they coasted to a 106-80 victory over Blackwater Elite to kickstart their 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup campaign Tuesday, May 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

LeBron James’ former high school teammate Romeo Travis debuted with a team-high 18 points and 12 rebounds as guards JVee Casio and Chris Banchero tag-teamed for 13 markers apiece. Banchero added 6 rebounds and 3 assists while Cyrus Baguio chipped in 12 points.

Aiming to bounce back after getting booted out in the quarterfinals of the Commissioner’s Cup, the Aces shut down the Elite defensively and broke the game wide open early in the second period.

Alaska opened the second half with a massive 20-4 run and wrested control of the contest for good. They notched their biggest lead at 35 points, 81-46, midway in that canto. 

Comebacking Blackwater import Marcus Douthit carried the expansion team with 28 points and 16 rebounds. He was errant on his first game back despite his offensive output as he tallied 6 turnovers. 

Bambam Gamalinda added 10 points as Blackwater shot just 44% from the field compared to Alaska’s 53%.

Scores:

ALASKA (106) – Travis 18, Casio 13, Banchero 13, Baguio 12, Abueva 9, Jazul 7, Manuel 6, Dela Rosa 6, Exciminiano 6, Menk 6, Thoss 4, Baclao 2, Hontiveros 2, Eman 2, Dela Cruz 0.

BLACKWATER (80) – Douthit 28, Gamalinda 10, Salvacion 9, Cervantes 7, Bulawan 5, Timberlake 4, Reyes 4, Erram 4, Heruela 4, Acuna 3, Faundo 2, Celiz 0, Laure 0.

Quarters: 26-17, 55-41, 85-58, 106-80

– Rappler.com