Balanced attack helps Powerade notch first win over Alaska

PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio

After being glued on the bench for a good part of his career, Rey Guevarra finally exploded for his new team Powerade, scoring a career-high 15 points to help the Tigers wallop Alaska, 114-97, to nail their first win in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Bothered by injuries in his young two-year career, the former Letran Knight provided the much-needed spark for Powerade to pull away in the third quarter, highlighted by a highlight-reel dunk over Alaska import Jason Forte.

Gary David poured in 31 points, but this time he got ample support from his teammates, something that was absent in their first two games that they lost. Five other Tigers scored in double digits, thanks to the 11 assists by new import Omar Sneed, who debuted after replacing Rashad Mccants. He also chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds.

New acquisitions Rabah Al-Hussaini and Jondan Salvador also delivered for Powerade, scoring 13 and 12 points apiece. Top draft pick Jvee Casio also scored 13.

Guevarra, along with Al-Hussaini, was acquired by Powerade from Petron in exchange for Marcio Lassiter at the start of the conference.

The game was still within reach for Alaska in the first half, countering Powerade’s attack to be within eight after two quarters, 50-42.

But Powerade shut Alaska down in the third, as David and Guevarra conspired on a 15-6 run to give the Tigers a 22-point cushion after the quarter, 86-64.

Since then, Powerade never looked back, killing every Alaska comeback in the final quarter.

Forte led the Aces with 25 points, while Cyrus Baguio scored 16 points.

The scores:

POWERADE 114 – David 31, Guevarra 15, Sneed 13, Al-Hussaini 13, Casio 13, Salvador 12, Vanlandingham 7, Martinez 4, Anthony 4, Antonio 2, Allera 0.

ALASKA 97 – Forte 25, Baguio 16, Espinas 10, Thoss 10, Jazul 8, Dela Cruz 8, Eman 6, Custodio 5, Baracael 4, Tenorio 4, Cablay 1, Gelig 0.

Quarterscores: 24-20, 50-42, 86-64, 114-97

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