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PBA: Alaska begins 'Last Dance' with hard fought win vs ROS

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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="PBA" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/tvpatrol/02/03/20190203-pba.jpg"/></figure></div>(UPDATE) Alaska hacked out a tough 80-74 win against Rain or Shine on Thursday, a day after its team owner announced their impending exit from the league.The Aces put up a spirited performance at the Araneta Coliseum, despite the uncertainty of their future with team owner Fred Uytengsu revealing their departure after the Governors&#x27; Cup.Alaska import Olu Ashaolu and Maverick Ahanmisi exuded the team&#x27;s composure even after Rain or Shine mounted an aggressive fightback in the payoff period.Ashoulu finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists while Ahanmisi strung together 14 points. Ashaolu said they decided to fight on despite news that their stay in the league will come to an end soon.&quot;For me... understanding that the Aces are one of the storied franchises, it&#x27;s a sad day that this team is leaving the PBA. But we can do things: Go sorry for ourselves or go with a bang. That&#x27;s our mentality,&quot; he said.Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso admitted it was tough keeping their mentality together especially after hearing the sad news. But he was proud they were able to pull it off in the end.&quot;It&#x27;s a little more difficult to keep them together mentally. I&#x27;ve never been in a situation where I know that it&#x27;s the last conference of your team. So there&#x27;s a lot of anxiety, uncertainty,&quot; he said in the post game presser.&quot;What I tell the guys is to kind of remain in the moment... just stay in the moment. And for tonight they&#x27;ve passed the test.&quot;After reeling from the Elasto Painters&#x27; fightback, the Aces pulled to within 67-66 following a layup by Ahanmisi. Mike DiGregorio and Ashaoulu latter padded the lead to 76-72 with 1:12 left.With the victory, Alaska improved to 4-2, while dropping Rain or Shine to 3-4.The scores:Alaska 80 – Ashaolu 23, Ahanmisi 14, Tratter 11, Herndon 9, DiGregorio 7, Teng 7, Faundo 3, Adamos 2, Bulanadi 2, Racal 2, Tolomia 0.Rain or Shine 74 – Walker 25, Nieto 13, Caracut 8, Mocon 6, Borboran 5, Belga 5, Santillan 4, Asistio 3, Torres 3, Jackson 1, Ponferada 1, Guinto 0, Norwood 0, Tolentino 0.Quarters: 26-18; 39-39; 60-60; 80-74.

(UPDATE) Alaska hacked out a tough 80-74 win against Rain or Shine on Thursday, a day after its team owner announced their impending exit from the league.