Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso credits bench for comeback win vs gutsy Terrafirma

Despite getting a huge performance from star guard Jeron Teng, Alaska head coach Jeff Cariaso didn't forget to give due credit to his bench as they escaped Terrafirma in a come-from-behind 102-97 win on Saturday.

Though Teng finished with a career-high 30 points, Alaska also got some timely contributions from the bench players as they overcame a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

"I like to give credit to the guys that just came off the bench who normally don't get a lot of minutes. Our bench played really well tonight, they came out and gave us a spark," said Cariaso in the post-game interview.

"And sometimes, that's all you need for us to get going a little bit. They got the ball rolling and then, luckily we were blessed to keep on going."

In the final period, newcomer Allyn Bulanadi sparked their run as he had a stretch of seven straight of Alaska's points early in the fourth, before finishing with 10 points, alongside three boards and two dimes.

Alec Stockton and RK Ilagan both finished with four points, but made key plays down the stretch.

All four of Ilagan's points came in the fourth period, including a crucial jumper that got the team within two points, 93-91, with four minutes remaining. After Terrafirma import Antonio Hester hit a free throw, it was Stockton's turn to step up, making it a one-point game, 94-93, with another huge basket to set the stage for Teng to take over in the endgame.

Aside from them, Robert Herndon and Mike Tolomia came out effectively after they combined for seven markers for the Aces.

The Aces, competing in the wake of the news that the Alaska franchise will soon make its exit from the PBA, put together an impressive effort in coming back from the huge deficit.

"To be honest, I didn't mention that in particular but I did mention in several words that we were getting our butts kicked. To be down 20, there was a lot of wrong going on," the tactician noted.

"But like I said, what I think the biggest learning tonight is the composure I think everyone maintained in spite of being down 20. Without a doubt, this wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for our bench guys, again, being ready."

—JMB, GMA News