Today June 9, Aces against Bolts Not even a triple team can contain Alaska Aces point guard Jvee Casio (42) as he explodes past three Meralco Bolts defenders, from left: Reynel Hugnatan, Simon Atkins and Jared Dillinger. The Aces continue their climb up the standings of the 2015 PBA Governors Cup when they battle the Bolts 4:15 p.m., June 9, Tuesday.
A victory by Alaska (5 wins, 2 losses) over the Bolts (4-3) sends the Aces into a tie at second place with the San Miguel Beermen (6-2) behind only Barako Bull Energy (6-1).
Trailing them are GlobalPort Batang Pier (4-4), the Kia Carnival (3-3), the Star Hotshots (3-4), the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (3-4) and the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (3-4).
The other teams include Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (3-5), the NLEX Road Warriors (2-5) and the Blackwater Elite (1-6).
The Aces were relentless at the defensive end. They were steady and unforgiving late in the game despite protecting a big lead. Most of all they were composed and efficient at the offensive end.
Alaska import Romeo Travis and locals Vic Manuel, Dondon Hontiveros, Calvin Abueva and Jvee Casio typified the Aces’ efficient offense. Alaska Aces head coach Alex Compton allocated the playing minutes among the players who maximized their time on the court.
Most imports play 30 to 40 minutes per game. Travis played less than 30 minutes against Kia but still submitted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Manuel led the big Alaska breakaway in the fourth period to finish with a team-high 17 points to go with four rebounds as he took home Player of the Game honors. Hontiveros and Casio were 100 percent from three-point distance draining seven-of-seven three-point attempts between the two of them.
Abueva was a man possessed as he gobbled up 15 rebounds, issued six assists and scored eight points.
Watch Meralco vs Alaska June 9, 2015 Governor's Cup PBA Replay 2015
The scores: Best player: Romeo Travis - 24 pts 18 rebs 5 asts 2 blks
Meralco vs Alaska Full Replay [follow this link]
ALASKA 89 - Travis 24, Casio 11, Banchero 10, Abueva 8, Hontiveros 8, Manuel 6, Thoss 6, Jazul 6, Dela Rosa 4, Exciminiano 4, Menk 2, Dela Cruz 0.
MERALCO 75 - Emmett 28, Hodge 12, Ando 11, David 10, Nabong 7, Anthony 5, Ildefonso 2, Dillinger 0, Atkins 0, Cortez 0, Hugnatan 0.
Quarters: 21-12, 42-35, 67-65, 89-75.