by Jonas Terrado
ANTIPOLO CITY – Alaska got major contributions from its key players Saturday night and extended the frustration of San Miguel Beer with a 127-119 victory to move in a three-way tie for second in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center here.
Import Mike Harris continued his splendid play with 36 points and 23 rebounds, Vic Manuel produced 20 points and Chris Banchero had 15 points and 12 assists as the Aces posted their second straight win to tie the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok and Blackwater Elite at 5-1.
The Aces, with Simon Enciso adding 18 points and rookie Jeron Teng and Ping Exciminiano chipping in 12 and 11, also dealt the slumping Beermen their third straight defeat.
San Miguel dropped to 2-4 despite 45 points and 11 rebounds from import Kevin Murphy and 28 points and 13 rebounds from Christian Standhardinger.
The Beermen’s struggles continue as they yearn for more consistency while missing the services of main man June Mar Fajardo, who is expected to be back in late-October due to an injured right shin.
Alaska led 93-89 at the end of the third of the Petron Saturday Special affair, but it was them who were able to broke away by making key shots courtesy of Harris, Manuel, Enciso and Banchero while Jake Pascual provided quality minutes on the defensive end.
Scores:
Alaska 127 – Harris 36, Manuel 20, Enciso 18, Banchero 15, Teng 12, Exciminiano 11, Racal 7, Casio 7, Pascual 1, Baclao 0.
San Miguel 119 – Murphy 45, Standhardinger 28, Santos 20, Cabagnot 14, Lassiter 7, Nabong 5, Ross 0, Mamaril 0, Rosser 0.
Quarters: 34-36, 67-64, 93-89, 127-119.
