By Waylon Galvez
Games Wednesday (Ynares Center, Antipolo City)
4:15 p.m. – ROS vs Phoenix
7 p.m. – TNT KaTropa vs NLEX
Alaska overcame a 10-point deficit entering the fourth quarter and import Geron Johnson’s big offensive game to come away with a 102-94 victory over the winless Kia Picanto last night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calvin Abueva had 26 points and 15 rebounds while also playing a part in taking Johnson off of his game during the crucial stretch as the Aces kept their playoff hopes alive with their third win after 14 straight losses – six of which came during the start of the conference.
Jvee Casio and import Buck Henton added 20 points apiece, the latter putting the Aces in front for good with a three-pointer that broke a 94-all tie with 1:05 remaining.
The Aces moved a game behind the Blackwater Elite (4-5) for the eighth spot in the standings, and will need to beat the Meralco Bolts on Friday and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sept. 20 to have a chance of making the quarterfinals.
The top eight teams after the elims qualify for the quarters.
“We’re fighting for our lives every game. I hope we find a way to squeeze in (to the playoffs). We would need crazy a situation. All we have to do is try to win,” Compton said.
Compton was relieved that his Aces came out victorious, despite allowing Johnson to explode for 39 points.
Playing his second game since replacing Markeith Cummings, Johnson fired 23 in the first half, going 5-of-7 from three-point territory.
First Game
ALASKA 102 – Abueva 26, Henton 20, Casio 20, Exciminiano 14, Banchero 11, Thoss 4, Racal 3, Baclao 2, Cruz 2, Mendoza 0, Magat 0, Pascual 0, Galliguez 0, Enciso 0.
KIA 94 – Johnson 39, Paniamogan 12, Elorde 11, Yee 11, Khobuntin 10, Ballesteros 4, Celda 3, Jaime 2, Corpuz 2, Revilla 0, Camson 0, Salva 0.
Quarters: 23-27; 46-51; 67-77; 102-94.
Second Game
SAN MIGUEL 107 – Watson 28, Santos 23, Ross 20, Cabagnot 16, Fajardo 10, Lassiter 7, Rosser 3, Heruela 0, De Ocampo 0.
GINEBRA 103 – Aguilar J. 18, Tenorio 17, Slaughter 16, Brownlee 14, Ferrer 11, Thompson 7, Caguioa 3, Mercado 2, Aguilar R. 0, Taha 0.
Quarters: 30-16, 56-33, 87-65, 107-103.
