ALASKA spoiled Arwind Santos’s big NorthPort with a thrilling narrow 87-85 victory to kick off action in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After almost squandering an 11-point lead, 76-65, early in the fourth period, the Aces banked on Robert Herndon, Jeron Teng and import Olu Ashaolu at crunch time to hold off the Batang Pier’s comeback.
Down 84-85, Herndon nailed a fade away in the last 30 seconds to give the Aces an 86-85 edge. Robert Bolick then attempted an ill-advised shot from beyond the arc with still 19 seconds remaining and forced the Batang Pier to commit foul and send Teng to the charity line.
“It was part of the play and Robbie [Herndon] wanted the ball in his hands. Olu [Ashaolu] did a good job sealing while Abu [Tratter] was screening to get him open,” Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso said.
Santos? It looked eerie seeing the “Spiderman” of the league wearing a different uniform from the San Miguel Beer colors he wore for 12 straight season.
He fought to the very end and tried to steal the win, scoring 14 in the fourth quarter to wind up with his 23 points that went with seven rebounds, three steals and four blocks.
Ashaolu racked up 20 points with 14 rebounds and three steals while Teng had 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting and Herndon added 13 points for the Aces.
Greg Slaughter posted 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, while import Cameron Forte had 18 points and 15 rebounds for NorthPort. Jamie Malonzo had 10 points and Bolick contributed eight points.
Santos buried three triples in led a 20-8 NorthPort run that gave the Batang Pier an 85-84 lead with 39 seconds left.
MELTON OK TO PLAY
TERRAFIRMA’S high-leaping guard Justin Melton got his first dose of Sinovac vaccine and will be allowed to play against Phoenix Super LPG on Thursday, according to Commissioner Willie Marcial.
But Melton and all other players with incomplete vaccines will have to undergo swab tests before practices and games as part of the league’s health protocols, Marcial said.
But Magnolia’s Rafi Reavis won’t be allowed to play until he gets vaccinated, Marcial added.
Terrafirma coach John Cardel said Melton got his first jab in Pateros three days ago or a few days after arriving from the US.
His second dose is due on December 27.
Marcial, meanwhile, said the league got Pasay City’s approval for fully vaccinated fans to watch games at the Mall of Asia Arena on a 50-percent capacity.