ALASKA shrugged off the drama surrounding its first game against former player Calvin Abueva as the Aces buckled down to work and get the job done against Phoenix Fuel Masters, 108-97, in the PBA Governors Cup Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The backcourt duo of Chris Banchero and Simon Enciso continued to produce big numbers for the Aces, but it was back-up big man Noy Baclao who proved to be a revelation as he put up numbers and came through with Abueva-like hustle plays in the team's third straight win that put it alone on top of the standings.
Baclao finished with 15 points and seven rebounds as he produced his second highest output wearing an Alaska uniform. He had 11 of his output in the second half when the Aces turned things around after being dominated by the Fuel Masters in the first two quarters.
"Noy had the hardest, most thankless job and I'm happy for him that he's player of the game. He deserved it," said coach Alex Compton of the big man out of Ateneo, who's been usually tasked to guard imports of opposing teams.
"The second half, I was really glad to see some guys that don't get as many key minutes," Compton added. "I thought the team stepped up and made plays. And that always makes a coach very happy."
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Alaska got 23 points and 11 rebounds from import Mike Harris, while Banchero and Enciso had 19 and 18, respectively.
Enciso picked up from where he left off the last time, hitting 6-of-12 from three-point region this time.
The collective effort was a way for the Aces not to focus on the hype surrounding their first game against the 30-year-old Abueva, the former Alaska star who the team traded to Phoenix during the season break.
"For me, I don't like hyping (things) up. It's not a thing against one guy," said Compton.
Abueva played with the same energy as he used to be with the Aces, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
But the Fuel Masters never recovered again after the Aces finally took the driver's seat, 76-74, with 3:38 left in the third quarter on a three-point bomb by Enciso.
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Import Eugene Phelps had 27 points and 24 rebounds for the Fuel Masters, but shot 10-of-26 from the floor.
Rookie Jason Perkins added 20 for Phoenix, which lost for the first time in three outings.(RG)
The scores:
Alaska 108 - Harris 23, Banchero 19, Enciso 18, Baclao 15, Manuel 9, Racal 8, Casio 5, Exciminiano 5, Teng 4, Pascual 2.
Phoenix 97 - Phelps 27, Perkins 20, Abueva 18, Wright 13, Chua 6, Jazul 6, Intal 5, Revilla 2, Wilson 0.
Quarters: 19-22, 49-54, 83-78, 108-97.
