MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces trailed early and were challenged all throughout the game, but managed to hit more shots late and come up with the defensive stops to take down the Blackwater Elite, 87-79, and improve to 2-0 in the 2015-2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday, October 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Following a 22-point, 10-rebound outburst against the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters, ‘Muscle Man’ Vic Manuel finished with 13 points and 7 boards off the bench to lead the Aces, who had 4 scorers in double-figures.
Chris Banchero also played well with 13 points in just 17 minutes, while veterans Tony Dela Cruz and JVee Casio had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Blackwater, who’s now 0-2, also had 4 guys in double-figures. JP Erram led his team with 13 points and 9 boards, Reil Cervantes had 11 points, Jerick Canada accounted for 10 points and 5 rebounds, and Jason Melano had 10 points.
When Alaska went on top 79-71 with 5:52 left after a Manuel basket, it felt like the game was about to get out of hand for Blackwater. But unlike last season, the Elite didn’t cave in right away and managed to counter with a 7-2 run over the next two minutes.
Manuel then hit two big shots to put his team ahead 85-78 with 2:27 left. The Elite were unable to answer with shots of their own, as Mike Cortez and Carlo Lastimosa took turns missing jumpers.
After Manuel was unable to take advantage of a Canada turnover by missing a basket, Cortez failed to hit his 3-point attempt with 25 seconds remaining.
Casio was then fouled and made both free throws to seal the win for Alaska.
Alaska can go to 3-0 when they face the Mahindra Enforcers in Dubai on Friday, November 6.
The Elite will be back in action to take on the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, November 4.
Scores:
Alaska (87): Banchero 13, Manuel 13, Dela Cruz 11, Casio 10, Abueva 7, Dela Rosa 7, Thoss 6, Hontiveros 5, Baclao 4, Baguio 4, Exciminiano 4, Jazul 2, Magat 1, Eman 0
Blackwater (79): Erram 13, Cervantes 11, Canada 10, Melano 10, Cortez 9, Reyes 7, Gamalinda 5, Ballesteros 4, Sena 4, Agovida 3, Golla 2, Lastimosa 1, Vosotros 0
Quarter scores: 20-22, 41-48, 69-66, 87-79