FIRST WIN. Jvee Casio hits a jumper as he scored 17 points for Alaska Aces’ 87-81 win against Magnolia in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center on Saturday night (Oct. 17, 2020). It was Alaska’s first win following two frustrating defeats. (Courtesy of PBA Images)
MANILA – Alaska posted its first win of the Philippine Basketball Association season after edging Magnolia, 87-81, on Saturday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Key baskets from Jvee Casio and Mike Digregorio kept the Hotshots at bay, while Casio's defensive gem eventually sealed the victory for the Aces.
Just as Magnolia, which led by as many as 11 points in the middle of the second quarter, was threatening to reclaim the advantage, Casio scored on a layup and a three-pointer to keep a four-point lead for Alaska, 79-75, with 2:41 left.
The Hotshots came close to retaking the lead as back-to-back baskets from Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon pulled them to within one anew, 79-80, with 1:47 to play.
They even got a chance to go on top anew after Vic Manuel, who split his charities in the Aces' last offensive, missed on a layup, but Ian Sangalang misfired a tough jumper and Digregorio shot a huge trey to up the Aces' lead to four, 83-79, with 54.2 seconds remaining.
Manuel then blocked Barroca's shot with Abu Tratter reclaiming possession for Alaska, but off a timeout, Jeron Teng lost the ball, leading to a Barroca fastbreak layup off a Tratter goaltend with 35 seconds remaining.
With Magnolia not needing a foul to stop the clock, Barroca hacked Digregorio in the defensive play, and the latter made two free throws to put Alaska up by four again, 85-81, with 25 seconds remaining.
The Aces' defense then forced Jack Corpuz to a wild three-point attempt that was blocked by Casio, and Teng made up for his costly turnover with two free throws that iced the game.
Teng finished with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, six rebounds, and one assist for Alaska, which tied its victim at 1-2.
Casio added 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, two rebounds, two assists, and the lone block on Corpuz.
Mark Barroca posted 16 markers, three boards, five dimes, and two swipes for Magnolia.
Box Scores:
Alaska 87-- Teng 19, Casio 17, Tratter 10, Digregorio 10, Manuel 9, Herndon 7, Galliguez 6, Ebona 5, Brondial 4, Ayaay 0, Marcelino 0, Publico 0
Magnolia 81-- Barroca 16, Lee 14, Banchero 13, Jalalon 11, Dionisio 10, Sangalang 8, Dela Rosa 7, Corpuz 2, Reavis 0, Melton 0, Abundo 0
Quarterscores: 21-29, 43-45, 62-64, 87-81 (PNA)
