With three players scoring least 20 points, the Alaska Aces finally broke into the win column via a resounding 102-86 victory over Barako Bull Energy Cola last night in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
JVee Casio had his best game in an Alaska uniform as he exploded for a game-high 24 points, missing just five of his 14 attempts from the field.
Alaska had a brilliant offensive game with Cyrus Baguio firing 23 points and Mac Baracael scattering 21 markers. Tony Dela Cruz was the fourth Aces to score in twin digits with 10.
Alaska notched its first win in three games by coming up big in the third quarter, where it fought back from a 10-point deficit.
Barako Bull started the third with a 14-4 run, breaking free from a 48-all standoff to post a 62-52 lead.
Barako Bull was up, 64-57, when Alaska staged a blistering 15-0 tear to steal the upper-hand, 72-64. Casio had nine points in that rally.
Mick Pennisi ended Barako Bull’s long drought with a split free throw but Alaska closed the third with nine unanswered points to build a big 81-65 lead going into the fourth.
Barako Bull answered with its own rally, holding Alaska to just four points while scoring 14 in the first six minutes of the fourth to move within 84-85 with 5:45 left.
Alaska found a hero in Baracael as the sweet-shooting forward scored six straight points that gave Alaska a 91-84 lead.
Barako Bull fell to 1-2 (win-loss).