Jazul, Abueva lead Alaska to rout of Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines – RJ Jazul and Calvin Abueva posted 37 points between them and the Alaska Aces evened up their record at 5-5 after overpowering the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 103-87, in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday, September 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jazul tallied 19 points, 6 assists, and two steals while Abueva had 18 markers plus 21 rebounds and a block to lead 6 Aces in double figures as Alaska won its third straight game and recovered from a 1-4 start.

“I kind of feel like we got our team back,” said head coach Alex Compton. “I thought the effort was there but I feel like we’re back now. Though I don’t know what that means because we’re not in the playoffs yet. But if we play that way then I think we have a chance against anybody.”

Import LaDonate Henton finished with 15 points along with 20 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and a block. Chris Banchero and Sonny Thoss had 11 points apiece with Thoss adding 8 boards, while JVee Casio came up with 10 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Alaska, which led by as much as 18 in the final frame, turned back a Phoenix side anchored only by import Eugene Phelps’ 34 points and 24 rebounds.

No other Fuel Master finished in double figures as Simon Enciso and Josh Urbiztondo added 9 markers each and Cyrus Baguio added 8.

Phoenix had its 3-game winning streak snapped and slipped to a similar 5-5 slate. The Fuel Masters’ loss also marked the end of Globalport and Star’s playoff hopes.

With Alaska’s win Barangay Ginebra secured a twice-to-beat advantage. 

Scores:

Alaska (103): Jazul 19, Abueva 18, Henton 15, Banchero 11, Thoss 11, Casio 10, Dela Rosa 6, Racal 5, Baclao 4, Galliguez 3, Magat 1, Dela Cruz 0, Exciminiano 0, Hontiveros 0.

Phoenix (87): Phelps 34, Enciso 9, Urbiztondo 9, Baguio 8, Lee 6, Torres 6, Borboran 5, Cruz 5, Wilson 3, Buenafe 2, Lanete 0, Miranda 0, Pennisi 0, W. Wilson 0, Hayes 0.

Quarter scores: 29-23, 51-39, 76-66, 103-87.

– Rappler.com