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DiGregorio waxes hot as Alaska steamrolls Blackwater in PBA opener

Sports | Basketball

DiGregorio waxes hot as Alaska steamrolls Blackwater in PBA opener

By Jonas Terrado

Photo from PBA

Alaska broke loose in the second half to roll past Blackwater, 103-77, on Friday as the PBA kicked off its 46th season with the centerpiece Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Mike DiGregorio fired 20 points to lead the Aces breakaway in the third quarter and emerge as the first team to win a game in the season that finally got underway due to lengthy delays caused by the country’s COVID-19 situation.

The Aces also got a big lift from free agent signing Yousef Taha, who had 16 points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench.

Coach Jeff Cariaso lauded his team after dealing with struggles in the first half, especially defending former Alaska guard Simon Enciso who was waxing hot from long range.

Enciso, who eventually finished with 23 points in his debut for the Bossing, eventually cooled off in time for the Aces to take command.

“To be honest, I couldn't sleep last night because of the uncertainty over how we’re gonna look,” said Cariaso. “It’s hard to kind of gauge your team – and I think all the coaches feel this way – when you don't have an opportunity to play against anyone else except yourself.

“Minsan nakakasawa to play with each other and you don't know how good or how bad you are,” added Cariaso, referring to Alaska’s two-month practices in Lipa City, Batangas while waiting for the season to get started.

“So my challenge to the guys was really just to share the ball on offense and to defend the best way we can. Luckily tonight Mike stepped up and a lot of the guys, they really followed the simple game plan that we had. So we're happy for this first step.”

Related Tags

Blackwater Bossing Alaska Aces Mike DiGregorio PBA Season 46 pba

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