by Jonas Terrado
Games Tomorrow (Ynares Center, Antipolo City)
4:30 p.m. – Columbian vs Rain or Shine
7 p.m. – Meralco vs Magnolia
Coach Alex Compton wasn’t pleased with the way the Alaska Aces played despite getting another big game from import Mike Harris that keyed their 104-94 victory over the Columbian Dyip last night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Harris dominated for 44 points and 27 rebounds, his most productive game of the conference, to help make up for the rollercoaster showing put up by the Aces in tying the Blackwater Elite for third place at 6-2.
“Thank God, we have Mike Harris,” said Compton looking despondent inside the press room. “We won the game, but I’m unhappy with the way we played.
Alaska, led mostly by Harris, held an 81-61 lead in the third quarter, only to see the winless Columbian side pull to within 95-88 on a basket by Rashawn McCarthy, over four minutes remaining in the fourth.
But Harris, Vic Manuel and Chris Banchero made big shots in the next few possessions to avoid any major meltdown.
Compton said his team will have to be as sharper as ever if they want to stay in the race for the twice-to-beat advantage given to the top four teams after the eliminations.
The Aces face a major task on Sunday when they battle the Elite at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Also on tap for Alaska are games against NLEX on Oct. 26 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City and NorthPort two days later at the Big Dome.
“If we don’t wake up and commit to the things that made us solid, we will not be happy with the end of our season,” Compton said.
Manuel had 16 points while Chris Banchero produced 10 points and 11 assists as the Aces got back to their winning ways after an 83-73 loss to the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok over the weekend.
Import Akeem Wright and Jackson Corpuz scored 19 points each but the Dyip dropped to a league-worst 0-9 record, staring at a possibility of a second straight winless campaign in the Governors’ Cup.
Columbian has lost 24 consecutive Governors’ Cup games dating back to its breakthrough quarterfinal appearance in 2016.
ALASKA 104 – Harris 44, Manuel 16, Banchero 10, Casio 10, Baclao 6, Thoss 6, Enciso 4, Exciminiano 4, Racal 2, Teng 2, Pascual 0.
COLUMBIAN 94 – Wright 19, Corpuz 19, King 14, Celda 11, Reyes 8, McCarthy 7, Lastimosa 6, Tubid 6, Khobuntin 2, Ababou 2, Escoto 0, Cabrera 0.
Quarters: 33-24, 53-43, 85-72, 104-94.
