By JONAS TERRADO
Alaska and NorthPort resume their quest for the eighth and final quarterfinals berth when they go up against separate rivals in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces take on the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters at 7 p.m. while the Batang Pier face a daunting task against the league-best NLEX Road Warriors in the first game set at 4:30 p.m.
Both teams are tied for eighth spot at 3-6, with Alaska in good condition despite a 0-5 start and dealing ace guard Chris Banchero to defending champion Magnolia last week.
Vic Manuel scored 23 points during Alaska’s crucial 106-99 victory over NorthPort last Nov. 3 while Jeron Teng is averaging 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists four games since returning from a hamstring injury.
Rookie Abu Tratter has also stepped up for the Aces, posting 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the last two games even as import Franko House has bucked a slow start with averages of 17.8 points and 13.7 rebounds in six games.
Coach Jeffrey Cariaso is hoping that the Aces will capitalize on the woes of the Fuel Masters, who are in also fighting for dear lives with a 2-7 record.
Meanwhile, NorthPort has dropped its last two games, including Sunday’s 103-89 defeat to Meralco at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The odds are stacked against the Batang Pier as they battle a Road Warriors side expected to ride on the momentum of Sunday’s dramatic 86-85 win over Magnolia.
NLEX battled from 26 down to claim victory on a last-gasp basket by Jericho Cruz.
The Road Warriors hold an 8-1 record, the best mark since the franchise joined the pro loop in 2014.
Kevin Alas could make his return for NLEX after being sidelined for the past nine months due to a second ACL injury sustained against Meralco in early-February.
Alas was a late scratch last Sunday as coach Yeng Guiao decided to delay his return.
