By Adrian Stewart Co

Alaska Aces survived a late rally by NorthPort Batang Pier to score an 87-85 victory at the start of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Holding to an 11-point edge early in the fourth quarter, the Batang Pier went on a huge 10-1 scoring blast behind Arwind Santos and Gregory Slaughter to take an 85-84 lead with 39 seconds left.

Robbie Herndon regained the advantage for the Aces at 86-85 with a turnaround hit over Santos followed by a split free throw by Jeron Teng to widen the lead to 87-85.

Herndon finished the game with 13 points to go with three steals, two rebounds and two assists to give the Aces a winning start in the season-ending conference.

Reinforcement Oluseyi Ashaolu led the Aces with double-double 20 points and 14 rebounds to go with three steals, while Teng contributed 19 markers.

Santos, who was moved to the Batang Pier during the offseason after nine years of stay with the San Miguel Beermen, top-scored for his new team with 23 points, including four triples.

Slaughter and import Cameron Forte added 18 markers apiece, while Jamie Malonzo chipped in 10 points for the revamped NorthPort.

Meanwhile, PBA action resumes at 3:00 p.m. today with Terrafirma Dyip parading veteran guard Alex Cabagnot against Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, who will unleash forward Sean Anthony.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, for its part, will play minus Negrense James Yap against Blackwater Bossing, which has eight new players, including Rashawn McCarthy, Jvee Casio and Mike Ayonayon./ASC, WDJ