The Alaska Aces used a strong third quarter to hold off the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 109-103, and stretch their winning streak to five in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Behind another solid performance from veteran forward Vic Manuel, the Aces joined TNT and Rain or Shine on top of the league standings with a 5-1 record. The Aces won despite the absence of Calvin Abueva, who missed the game due to personal reasons.
Manuel exploded for 22 points, 17 of which were scored in the second half. Import Antonio Campbell finished with a double-double of 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Chris Banchero had 19 points and seven assists.
Alaska closed the third quarter with a 14-2 blitz to turn a nine-point halftime deficit to an 85-83 lead. Stanley Pringle pushed GlobalPort back on top at the start of the fourth, but Alaska responded with a strong 18-3 run, capped by a Manuel jumper, to build as much as a 12-point edge.
The Batang Pier made one final push in the final minute to inch within four points, 103-107, but that was the closest that they managed to get. JVee Casio halted GlobalPort's comeback attempts with a bucket with 40 ticks left in the game.
"I love the grit and I expected that we'd need it this game. I think GlobalPort is the grittiest team in the league. They're physical, they play hard," said Alaska coach Alex Compton about the win.
Malcolm White top-scored for the Batang Pier with 27 points, to go with eight rebounds and six blocks. Pringle also had a productive night with 26 points, highlighted by four triples, and six assists.
The loss dropped GlobalPort to a 3-4 record.
THE SCORES
Alaska (109) - Manuel 22, Banchero 19, Campbell 18, Casio 12, Racal 10, Thoss 8, Teng 8, Enciso 6, Exciminiano 3, Magat 3 GlobalPort (103) - White 27, Pringle 26, Anthony 16, Nabong 12, Javelona 7, Grey 6, Tautuaa 5, Elorde 4, Sargent 0, Teng 0, Araña 0 Quarter scores: 20-29, 50-59, 85-83, 109-103
EXTRA DRIBBLES
- The Aces won the rebounding battle, 52-45, and had a 15-4 advantage in second chance points.
- Calvin Abueva has not joined Alaska's practices since the PBA All-Star break.
NEXT GAMES
Alaska - June 10 (Sunday) vs Magnolia Hotshots at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum
GlobalPort - June 13 (Wednesday) vs San Miguel Beermen at the Mall of Asia Arena