By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Alaska Aces padded their cause to finish in the top four of the elimination round of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup following a 104-94 victory over the Columbian Dyip in league action on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Had their playoff charge halted in their last game, the Aces came back to their winning ways with steady domination of the Dyip to have their record improve to 6-2, very much in the mix for a top four finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the season-ending PBA tournament.
Import Mike Harris set the pace for the Aces to begin the contest, pulling his team to a 15-7 lead in the first five minutes.
They would continue to build on it, stretching their advantage to 10 points, 28-18, with under three minutes left before settling for a 33-24 lead after the opening 12 minutes of the match.
Alaska kept Columbian at bay to begin the second quarter, going on a 7-2 run to extend its distance to 14 points, 40-26, with just a minute lapsing.
The Dyip though would show resolve to stay within striking distance, led by import Akeem Wright and guard Jerramy King.
They would come within eight points, 49-41, a little over two minutes to go in the first half.
By the halftime break, Alaska was able to take its lead back to double digits, 53-43.
Columbian came off the lull firing, scoring seven quick points care of Mr. Wright and Jackson Corpuz to narrow the gap, 53-50, at the 10:47 mark.
Alaska, however, would recover fast, answering with a 19-7 blast in the next five minutes to build a 72-57 cushion.
It took it even further to a 20-point advantage, 84-64, with 1:47 left in the quarter.
The count stood at 85-72, and Alaska on top, three-fourths into the contest.
Chris Banchero jump-started things for the Aces in the final frame as the team went on to build a 92-77 lead at the 8:05 mark of the canto.
Columbian though would not go away without a fight, charging back to within seven points, 95-88, with four minutes left in the ball game.
Six straight baskets by Alaska as the clock hit the final two minutes of the game made it an 11-point lead, 101-88, for the team and it was never threatened after on its way to seizing the win.
Mr. Harris showed the way for Alaska with 44 points and 27 rebounds while Vic Manuel had 16 points.
Mr. Banchero had a double-double of 10 points and 11 assists.
Mr. Wright had a near triple-double of 19 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists for Columbian, which fell to 0-9 in the tournament after the loss.
Mr. Jackson also had 19 points.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR