Alaska Ran Out of Aces Against Meralco, Amer and Chua Led the Charge

Baser Amer led the game with 19

Either Alaska forgot to drink their milk tonight or they ran out of luck against Meralco Bolts.

Alaska was one of the few undefeated teams coming into this game. It was expected that the game would be a close one as both teams are currently leading the conference with  Meralco at 4-1 and Alaska at 4-0.

However, the Aces was trailing all game long and just could not find the answer against the defense-minded Meralco Bolts. The first half was ugly as Alaska Aces was limited to only 35 points against 50 of the Bolts.

Meralco Bolts got a big boost in the first half from Justin Chua who scored 14 points and Baser Amer who played the most minutes in the game with 40:56 minutes and scoring 19 minutes and hauling 9 rebounds.

Cory Jefferson tried to lift the Aces scoring a game-high 32 points and making critical shots including three-pointers late in the game when they were trying to mount a comeback.

Calvin Abueva scored 11 points but was out of his game and was visibly upset with the referees. He fouled out.

After the game, coach Norman mentioned the contribution of Chua and Amer, as well as giving credit to the contribution of their import, saying that his presence in the middle is already a big factor for them.

Meralco will face Blackwater on April 16 while Alaska will have a longer rest until they face Phoenix on April 21. Both games will be played at the Araneta Coliseum.

Scores:

MERALCO 99 - Amer 19, Stepheson 17, Dillinger 15, Newsome 14, Chua 14, Hugnatan 8, Nabong 8, Yeo 4, Daquioag 0, Uyloan 0, Caram 0.

ALASKA 91 - Jefferson 32, Enciso 14, Abueva 11, Galliguez 9, Dela Cruz 8, Exciminiano 6, Casio 5, Thoss 4, Pascual 2, Racal 0, Andrada 0.

Quarterscores: 27-19, 50-35, 76-60, 99-91.