Beermen absorb second straight defeat

Alaska scored a 99-94 upset of San Miguel Beer Friday in a follow-up to an 87-85 cliffhanger over NorthPort Wednesday to share the early PBA Governors’ Cup lead with NLEX.

With grit and guts, the Aces held their ground against June Mar Fajardo and his teammates all throughout and gave themselves a crack at a 3-0 card in Week One of the reinforced tourney.

Olu Ashaolu and the fired-up Aces seek to get going as they take on debuting defending champion Barangay Ginebra Sunday.

“Every game is tough but we’re looking forward to it. When you face Ginebra, it’s always fun and competitive,” said Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso.

Ashaolu had another solid game with 23 points, 13 rebounds and four assists with Robbie Herndon, Abu Tratter, Mike Digregorio, Maverick Ahanmisi and rookie Alec Stockton providing big help as the Aces got off to a 2-0 start coming from a poor 11th-place finish in the Philippine Cup.

“We’re in better shape going to this tournament. There’s much focus on conditioning as I felt we’re not in shape the last time,” said Cariaso.

The Alaska bench chieftain also mentioned the energy and leadership they’re getting from their import.

The scores:

Alaska 99 – Ashaolu 23, Herndon 11, Tratter 10, DiGregorio 10, Stockton 10, Ahanmisi 9, Teng 7, Tolomia 6, Taha 4, Brondial 4, Racal 3, Adamos 2.

San Miguel 94 – Fajardo 23, Brown 22, Romeo 16, Lassiter 11, Perez 7, Manuel 6, Enciso 6, Tautuaa 3, Pessumal 0, Zamar 0.

Quarterscores: 25-28, 53-51, 77-68, 99-94.