Chris Banchero misses semis opener vs SMB due to emergency

WONDERING why Chris Banchero is not with Alaska for Game 1 of the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against San Miguel?

Sources in the Aces camp bared that the 29-year-old guard is tending to a personal emergency and will be unavailable for the opening game of the best-of-five series at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Banchero’s absence is a big blow for Alaska, as he is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.1 steals this conference.

That makes scaling the mountain that much harder for the Aces, who are already missing Calvin Abueva due to a team-imposed indefinite suspension.

As of posting time, San Miguel leads Alaska, 52-41 at halftime.