ALASKA Milk kept its composure under pressure and watched Terrafirma self-destruct in the final 2:37 to escape with a 99-96 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Center in Pampanga.
Jvee Casio scored the go-ahead basket on a layup and Maverick Ahanmisi and Jesper Ayaay hit a free throw each as the Aces came through with their fourth win in seven matches.
Terrafirma had several chances — five of them, in fact — to pull off the victory, but blew them all and went 0-of’5 in the closing minutes of the tightly-fought encounter.
“They (Dyip) were aggressive and set the tone in the first half. I’m just happy how our guys made the adjustments and how they executed,” said Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
“We want to make sure to outrebound our opponents. Sometimes, that wouldn’t happen. Tonight, rebounding was a big part in our win,” added Cariaso.
Vic Manuel led the way for the Aces with 18 points, followed by Rob Herndon with 12 points, four rebounds and one assist and Abu Tratter with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Casio and Mike Digregorio added 11 points apiece.
CJ Perez carried the fight for Terrafirma with 25 points, six assists and four rebounds in nearly 40 minutes of action.
Juami Tiongson added 21 points, including six three-pointers.
Roosevelt Adams and Eric Camson added 11 points apiece, and Aldrech Ramos had 10.
Rashawn McCarthy finished with eight.
Overall, Alaska made 35 of its 80 attempts for 43 percent against Terrafirma’s 35-of-84 for 41 percent.
Terrafima, however, had 15-8 advantage in three-point shots made.
The Aces had the advantage in rebounds, 55-45.
The scores:
Alaska (99) — Manuel 18, Herndon 12, Digregorio 11, Casio 11, Tratter 10, Gallieguez 9, Ahanmisi 8, Ayaay 8, Teng 7, Ebona 5, Marcelino 0, Publico 0, Andrada 0, Brondial 0.
Terrafirma (96) — Perez 25, Tiongson 21, Adams 11, Camson 11, Ramos 10, McCarthy 8, Calvo 4, Gabayni 4, Faundo 2, Cahilig 0, Khobuntin 0, Agovida 0, Batiller 0, Balagasay 0, Celda 0.
Quarterscores: 19-28, 45-52, 79-79, 99-96.
