CHRIS Banchero was perhaps the last guy you would expect to hit a career-high on Wednesday night for Alaska.
Prior to the game, Banchero had to take IV liquids due to a stomach ache so severe that he had to politely decline interviews with reporters after the PBA Philippine Cup game to rush to the hospital for treatment.
Despite the stomach problems, the Fil-Italian guard issued a career-high 16 assists as the Aces notched their second straight win, 103-101, at the expense of Blackwater at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alaska coach Alex Compton was proud of the effort of Banchero, whose previous career-high was 14 in a game against TNT last August 26 of last year.
“I have to buy him a steak dinner for that,” Compton said smiling.
Compton admitted he was surprised to learn that Banchero had that much assists in the game, which he said is a testament to the guard's determination to take charge for an Alaska team that only had 10 players in uniform.
“One of the things about Chris prior to last season was he’s got the ability to get PBA players open shots that a lot of guys don’t have. It’s not purely unique, but he’s got that upper echelon abilities to create for other people.
“Since we talked about it, he led the league in assists it's incredible. I didn’t realize that,” Compton added.
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