Alaska lives to fight another day, forces sudden death vs NLEX

It's not yet the end of the road for soon-to-exit Alaska.

The Aces leaned on a second quarter rally to stun NLEX Road Warriors, 93-79, in the 2021 PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

With the Road Warriors enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage, the Aces had their backs against the wall as the club prepares to say goodbye to the league. But they are not taking a final bow just yet.

Alaska once saw itself staring at a 16-point hole, 20-36, early in the second period before unleashing a huge 20-2 barrage to end the first half leading by two, 40-38.

Knowing what's at stake, Jeron Teng stepped on the gas and dropped eight of his overall output in that run.

Mike Tolomia then caught fire in the third. The former FEU guard accounted for 10 points of Aces' 14-6 blitz to end the frame up by nine, 64-55.

Alaska held on to its lead with RK Ilagan and Kevin Racal pushing their advantage to 16 after back-to-back triples, 91-75, with barely a minute left in the game. NLEX tried to come back with Justin Chua's first basket, 91-77, but time ran out for the Road Warriors.

Teng led the offensive charge for the Aces, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds while new import Mark Saint Fort, who came in as replacement for the injured Ola Ashaolu, listed a double-double of 17 markers and 14 boards.

Alaska and NLEX will lock horns anew on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. for their do-or-die match.

The Scores:

Alaska 93 - Saint Fort 17, Teng 16,  Tratter 10, Tolomia 10, Taha 9, Digregorio 9, Ahanmisi 6, Bulanadi 5, Faundo 3, Ilagan 3, Racal 3, Adamos 0.

NLEX 79 - Clark 25, Alas 17, Trollano 10, Rosales 7, Paniamogan 5, Quiñahan 4, Nieto 3, Soyud 2, Ighalo 2, Chua 2, Miranda 0, Varilla 0.

Quarter Scores: 12-26, 40-38, 64-55, 93-79.

—MGP, GMA News