Looming PBA exit a motivation, challenge for Alaska vs NLEX: 'We didn't want it to be our last game'

Playing what could have been their last game in the PBA, the Alaska Aces went back to their roots to stun the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday and extend their Governors' Cup journey to at least one more game.

The Aces needed to buck a slow start en route to a 93-79 victory against the twice-to-beat NLEX to force a do-or-die on Saturday. And head coach Jeff Cariaso said they just restored order, especially on their defense against an offensive-minded Road Warriors.

"I think our mental approach and how we were trying to play early was focused only on the offense, so we said we have to get back to our defense and understand our defensive schemes, and be more physical," said Cariaso in the post-game presser.

The Aces did just that, limiting NLEX to just 79 points, which is much lower than the average 109.2 points the Road Warriors have been putting up in their previous matches.

"When we became physically defensive, we were moving our feet better, we weren't giving up easy fouls that allowed the offense to transition for it to be a little bit easier," Cariaso said.

The longtime mentor added that their looming exit from the league was both a challenge and motivation heading into the game.

"We didn't want it to be our last game. What makes it harder is compared to the announcement, we're kind of closer to seeing what could possibly be the end. That in itself is a challenge and a motivation," he said.

"We tried to use it to motivate us even more, for us to focus even more, and for us to play together even more."

Cariaso also gave credits to his wards: "Hats off to the guys and everyone who stepped on the court came out ready today. The players were cheering for each other and I think that's a big difference."

Jeron Teng led all the locals with 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists while new import Mark Saint Fort paced the Aces with a double-double of 17 markers, 14 boards, and two dimes.

—MGP, GMA News