Feb 17, 2020

Kevin Racal warms up late as Alaska tops Phoenix in tune-up game

KEVIN Racal sparked Alaska's late pullaway in a 98-87 victory over Phoenix in their tune-up game Monday at Upper Deck Gym in Pasig.

The hard-knocks forward from Letran pumped eight of his nine points in the fourth quarter as the Aces staged a killer 15-6 blast to turn the game from a close 75-72 lead to a commanding 90-78 advantage with 5:52 remaining.

Vic Manuel was all over the court for Alaska with his game-high 25 points, to go with nine rebounds and three assists. Mike DiGregorio shot 2-of-5 from deep to wound up with 13 points.

Rookie big man Barkley Ebona also had his moments, finishing with eight points, five boards, and two assists while Abu Tratter and Rodney Brondial both scored eight.

"It's nice because you get a feel of the style of Phoenix. We know they're gonna pressure a lot, their guards are all over the place in trying to make it difficult for you," said Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso.

Sponsored content:
The Aces also showed great resolve coming back from an early 14-point deficit, using a 28-point third quarter blast to take a 69-67 lead heading into the payoff period.

"I commend the boys for being able to work through with the struggles in the beginning and finding a way to pull through," said Cariaso.

Jason Perkins paced the Fuel Masters with 20 points and nine rebounds, as Justin Chua had 17 points and nine boards in the defeat. (RL)

The Scores:

ALASKA 98 -- Manuel 25, DiGregorio 13, Racal 9, Brondial 8, Ebona 8, Tratter 8, Herndon 7, Teng 6, Casio 5, Ahanmisi 2, Marcelino 0, Galliguez 0, Andrada 0.

Sponsored content:
PHOENIX 87 -- Perkins 20, Chua 17, Wright 12, Potts 8, Napoles 7, Jazul 7, Intal 7, Reyes 4, Heruela 3, Rios 2, Garcia 2.

Quarters: 24-25, 41-52, 69-67, 98-87.