Alaska Aces pulled off a huge escape act, coming away with a 104-102 Game 3 victory over the Meralco Bolts in the semifinals of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome Thursday evening.
With the hard-earned win, the third-seeded Aces moved on verge of nailing a trip to the finals as they took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
Mike Harris came out huge down the stretch, scoring Alaska’s last nine points including two three-point play conversions and the free throw that gave them a 104-102 cushion.
The Alaska import registered 31 points, 24 rebounds, and seven assists to lead the team. Simon Enciso tallied 17 markers punctuated with a crucial three-pointer in the final 1:52 mark that resulted to a 95-92 Aces lead.
Reynel Hugnatan kept the Bolts afloat and even retook the lead, 98-97, with his back-to-back to triples entering the last one minute, before Harris came through with clutch baskets to seal the win for Alaska.
Allen Durham led all scorers with 37 points on top of 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Meralco, while Hugnatan added 19 points in their second straight loss.
Game 4 of the best-of-five series is on Saturday, November 17, still at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The scores:
ALASKA 104 – Harris 31, Enciso 17, Banchero 17, Baclao 11, Manuel 8, Casio 7, Thoss 6, Cruz 4, Racal 3, Exciminiano 0, Potts 0.
MERALCO 102 – Durham 37, Hugnatan 19, Newsome 18, Amer 11, Caram 4, Faundo 4, Salva 3, Dillinger 3, Lanete 3, Canaleta 0, Tolomia 0.
Quarter scores: 25-22, 47-53, 75-74, 104-102.