by Jonas Terrado
4:30 p.m. – NLEX vs Rain or Shine
6:45 p.m. – Meralco vs San Miguel
Alaska responded to the challenge of team owner Fred Uytengsu at halftime in a big way to survive NorthPort’s upset ax, 95-85, last night and end its elimination round campaign by clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Incensed with the way the Aces played in the first half that saw the Batang Pier lead 47-41 at the break, Uytengsu gave a short but impassioned speech to his boys inside the dressing room in what coach Alex Compton described as a much-needed wake-up call.
Leaning on import Mike Harris and Chris Banchero, Alaska quickly erased the halftime deficit and led for most of the third quarter before weathering NorthPort’s 78-75 advantage with over five minutes remaining behind a big windup to gain the quarterfinal bonus in the season-ending conference.
The Aces went 8-3 after the elims, making up for its failure to clinch the twice-to-beat two nights earlier when it fell 116-110 in overtime to the NLEX Road Warriors at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
“They worked very hard to get to a position they’re in right now and it would be a shame to lose that opportunity if we didn’t play the type of game that we’re known for,” Uytengsu later said through a phone patch interview.
“And I said ‘I’m sure you’re thinking that (NorthPort) is not that good of a team because they only won two games despite the talent they have. Look at the score at halftime, they’re killing us.’”
Uytengsu then gave his players a stern warning.
“‘Either you go out and play our brand of game, play with the pride of Alaska basketball or you gonna be very sorry at the end of this game and we have to do it the hard way. So either you go out, play our game or don’t show up.’”
Compton was grateful with his boss’ timely pep talk.
“He came in and lay down the message that changed the game for us. I’m grateful for that, makes my job easier,” Compton said.
Harris had 27 points and 25 rebounds and Banchero had 15 points and five assists as the Aces now wait as to where they’ll end up in the quarters.
Import Rashad Woods scored 33 points but NorthPort finished the eliminations with a 2-9 record.
The scores:
Alaska 95 – Harris 27, Banchero 15, Teng 13, Manuel 12, Casio 11, Racal 9, Baclao 6, Enciso 2, Thoss 0, Exciminiano 0, Galliguez 0.
NorthPort 85 – Woods 33, Pringle 15, Tautuaa 13, Anthony 10, Elorde 4, Grey 4, Arana 2, Guinto 2, Gabayni 2, Espinas 0, Fortuna 0, Javelona 0.
Quarters: 24-15, 41-47, 64-62, 95-85.
