Import Mike Harris hit the biggest basket as the Alaska Aces turned back the Meralco Bolts, 80-72, in their 2018 PBA Governors' Cup opener on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
When the chips were down, Harris proved steady and drilled in a booming triple in the face of a furious rally by the Bolts.
The Bolts got it going late in the fourth period and went on a 10-to-nothing tear to pull to within five, 70-75 with 1:30 remaining.
Alaska was struggling to keep the Bolts at bay. Good thing, Harris came to the rescue with the triple against the outstretched arms of Anjo Caram with 21.8 ticks remaining, 78-70.
Harris finished with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists. Chris Banchero had 13 markers, six boards, five dimes, and two steals.
Simon Enciso and Vic Manuel addd 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
"I'm glad we won the game. I was worried coming into the game because we're facing the back-to-back finalists and the reigning Best Import (Allen Durham)," said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
Meralco, meanwhile, dropped its second straight match for a 1-2 record.
Durham paced the Bolts with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Chris Newsome chipped in 14 points and seven boards.
Baser Amer, whose two free throws capped Meralco's 10-0 run in the final stretch, had a double-double outing of 13 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists.
THE SCORES
Alaska 80- Harris 23, Banchero 13, Enciso 11, Manuel 10, Baclao 6, Exciminiano 5, Racal 5, Galliguez 3, Pascual 2, Teng 2, Casio 0.
Meralco 72 - Durham 21, Newsome 14, Amer 13, de Ocampo 8, Caram 6, Salva 5, Canaleta 3, Hodge 2, Hugnatan 0, Laneta 0, Tolomia 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22, 33-40, 61-50, 80-72.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
Alaska played its first official game without Calvin Abueva who was traded to Phoenix a few weeks ago.
Alaska outscored Meralco in the third quarter, 28-10. The Aces held a 61-50 lead entering the final frame.
Karl Dehesa sat on the bench but was in street clothes. Dehesa was traded to Alaska as part of the Abueva deal.
NEXT GAMES
Meralco - vs Phoenix on September 19 at Smart Araneta Coliseum
Alaska - vs TNT on August 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum