Aces use big 2nd half to whip Elite

IT TOOK a while, but Alaska still got its bearings going when it mattered to dodge an upset bullet from Blackwater in a hard-earned 87-79 decision for its second straight victory and a piece of the early lead in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup last night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Chris Banchero continued his stellar play, leading Alaska’s charge with a game-high 13 points, including 11 in the first half, while Vic Manuel had the same production, which he all scored in the second half, to go with seven rebounds for the Aces. 

Both did damage off the bench.

With their 2-0 start, the Aces are now tied with Rain or Shine and NLEX at the top of the ladder, while the Elite dropped to the bottom with its 0-2 start.

Alaska coach Alex Compton credited his team’s better over all play in the second half for the victory.

“Blackwater outplayed us in the first half, but we came out with fire in the second,’’ said Compton. “I thought our defense improved significantly in the second half and that really helped us a lot.’’
Following its lackluster first-half showing, where it found itself trailing, 41-48, at the half, Alaska gathered itself and took the pivotal third, where it outscored Blackwater, 28-18, to snatch the lead, 69-66, leading up to the payoff period.
The Aces continued their surge in the fourth as they completed a huge16-6 blitz bridging the last two quarters to grab a 73-66 lead with 9:33 remaining after Tony Dela Cruz’s jumper.
The Elite kept itself in the game with minor runs and even inched to within three, 78-81, with still 3:45 on Cortez’s basket.
But the veteran Alaska squad held its ground and ended the game with a finishing 6-1 run to seal the win. 
Dela Cruz had a solid game of 11 points and four rebounds, while Javee Casio chipped in 10 points, three rebounds and four assists as those two, along with Banchero and Manuel, exchanged turns throughout in scoring for Alaska.
JP Erram led Blackwater with 13 points and Reil Cervantes had 11 markers.
For today, another doubleheader is in store as Talk ‘N Text, Mahindra, Barako Bull and Barangay Ginebra, which are all still winless, resume their campaigns in their bid to finally crack the winning column.
The Tropang Texters take on the Enforcers at 3 p.m., followed by the tango between the Energy and the Gin Kings at 5:15 p.m. in the main game in the same venue.
The scores: 
ALASKA 87—Banchero 13, Manuel 13, Dela Cruz 11, Casio 10, Abueva 7, Dela Rosa 7, Thoss 6, Hontiveros 5, Baclao 4, Baguio 4, Exciminiano 4, Jazul 2, Magat 1, Eman 0.
BLACKWATER 79—Erram 13, Cervantes 11, Canada 10, Melano 10, Cortez 9, Reyes 7, Gamalinda 5, Ballesteros 4, Sena 4, Agovida 3, Golla 2, Lastimosa 1, Vosotros 0.
Quarters: 20-22, 41-48, 69-66, 87-79