SPORT | Abueva returns, nets double-double in Aces win over Batang Pier

MANILA, Philippines – Calvin Abueva delivered a sterling double-double game in his return from an injury, leading Alaska Milk to a first win in the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup with a come-from-behind 95-84 triumph over the erstwhile unbeaten GlobalPort side at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Wednesday night.

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Abueva, finally back from a quadriceps problem, piled up 22 points and 11 rebounds in a stirring debut in PBA Season 42 highlighted by a crucial 15-point explosion at endgame.

Jvee Casio also stepped up in the crunch, scoring 12 of his 15 in the last four minutes as the Aces finally got over the hump, notching a first win after successive losses to the NLEX Road Warriors and the San Miguel Beermen.

Succumbing on the Aces' pressure defense in the fourth period, the Batang Pier squandered a 16-point third-quarter bulge and suffered a first setback after impressive back-to-back triumphs over the Mahindra Floodbuster and the Star Hotshots.

A heavy six-way logjam atop the heap among GlobalPort, Blackwater, Rain or Shine, TNT KaTropa, Phoenix and San Miguel Beer at 2-1 ensued following the Batang Pier's loss to the Aces.

"It's great to have the guys back," said Alaska coach Alex Compton, referring to the return not only of Abueva but also of Vic Manuel and Ping Excimiano from a one-game suspension.

"The Terrence (Romeo)-Stanley (Pringle) combination is very dangerous. I told the guys di talaga tayo dapat masyadong manggigil dito," Compton also said.

The Aces struck at the right time, trimming down a 16-point deficit to three at the end of the third before stepping on the pedal hard in the final canto to carve out the nine-point win.

Alaska finally broke into the win-column though the team was still crippled minus big men Sonny Thoss and Noy Baclao.

Rookie Carl Bryan Cruz and sophomore Jaypee Mendoza started out with Abueva, Casio and Chris Banchero in the absence of Thoss and Baclao, and the two young players had their contributions, combining for 15 points and seven rebounds.

Manuel played off the bench and chipped in 10 markers, seven rebounds, one assist and one block against four turnovers in 22:05 minutes of action.

GlobalPort dominated in the first three quarters with Romeo and Pringle, as usual, leading the way for the team.

Romeo led all scorers with 26 points while Pringle added 23 but they themselves were contained by the Aces at winning time.

The Batang Pier were still trailing by eight at 67-75 before Abueva rattled in 10 straight points to touch off a key 20-4 exchange that turned the tide in their favor.

And there's no stopping the Aces from there. - Nelson Beltran via Associated Press

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs Rain or Shine
7 p.m. – Meralco vs TNT KaTropa