PBA: Alaska claims third straight win but loses Jeron Teng to injury

By Jonas Terrado

Alaska slipped past Phoenix Pulse 105-102 Wednesday for its third straight win and create a three-way tie for seventh in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces lost a first half lead, regained the driver seat late in the third before weathering a late Fuel Masters’ fightback to level the Columbian Dyip and NorthPort Batang Pier in the standings at 4-6.

Vic Manuel topscored with 20 points while Jeron Teng added 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists before going down with an apparent injury on his right knee in the final minute.

Import Franko House added 15 points and 18 rebounds for the Aces, who need to beat the co-leader NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City in hopes of securing a place in the quarters.

But the Aces may end up playing with Teng, who was initially diagnosed with a hyperextended knee after Phoenix big man Justin Chua landed on him during a looseball scramble.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s good but we’re hoping for the best,” Cariaso said of Teng, who was undergoing MRI as of posting time.

Matthew Wright dropped 25 points but Phoenix was eliminated from contention after falling to 2-8.
Wright gave Phoenix a chance, cutting Alaska’s lead to 103-102 on a three-pointer with 12.3 remaining. Jvee Casio answered for the Aces with two foul shots to bring the margin back to three.

Phoenix tried to go with Wright for a game-tying three but Alaska guard Simon Enciso anticipated the play from the right elbow, forcing RJ Jazul to pass the ball to Jason Perkins for a corner trey.

But Perkins missed his three and the Aces held on for the win.

Alaska led 21-4 at the start but Phoenix slowly came back and eventually took a 48-41 lead before halftime.

The scores:

ALASKA 105 — Manuel 20, Teng 17, House 15, Ahanmisi 12, Racal 11, Enciso 9, Casio 9, Tratter 7, Herndon 3, Brondial 2, Thoss 0, Ayaay 0.

PHOENIX PULSE 102 — Wright 25, Gee 23, Perkins 18, Chua 16, Mallari 5, Potts 4, Napoles 3, Jazul 2, Kramer 2, Gamboa 2, Intal 2.

Quarters: 32-19; 49-53; 80-76; 105-102.

Source: Manila Bulletin