Alaska nips Magnolia for breakthrough win

Alaska broke into the win column in the PBA Philippine Cup after sending Magnolia crashing back to earth, 87-81, at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Saturday, October 17.

The Hotshots were high from a massive 22-point comeback win in their first game in the PBA bubble but the Aces gave them a dose of their own medicine by fighting back from 11 points down for their first victory.

Jeron Teng chalked up 19 points and 6 rebounds, while JVee Casio finished with 17 points as he brought Alaska home with a couple of crucial plays on both ends of the floor in the dying minutes.

Casio hit a booming triple with less than 3 minutes left to give his side a 79-75 lead before he blocked a Jackson Corpuz three-point attempt with 15 ticks left to seal the win for Alaska.

Teng then put the the finishing touches in the win with two free throws.

Abu Tratter supplied 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals, Mike Digregorio had 10 points, while Vic Manuel netted 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals for Alaska, which hiked its record to 1-2.

Magnolia led by as many as 11 points in the first half and held a two-point lead after 3 quarters but it unravelled in the final period as it got outscored 25-17 by Alaska.

Mark Barroca led the Hotshots, who dropped to 1-2, with 16 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals, while Paul Lee had 14 points and 5 rebounds.

Chris Banchero churned out 13 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals against his former team Aces.

The Scores

Alaska 87 - Teng 19, Casio 17, Tratter 10, DiGregorio 10, Manuel 9, Herndon 7, Galliguez 6, Brondial 4, Ebona 5, Marcelino 0, Ayaay 0, Publico 0.

Magnolia 81 - Barroca 16, Lee 14, Jalalon 11, Banchero 13, Dionisio 10, Sangalang 8, Dela Rosa 7, Corpuz 2, Reavis 0, Melton 0, Abundo 0.

Quarters : 21-29, 43-45, 62-64, 87-81.

– Rappler.com