‘Muscle Man’ drives Alaska over Rain or Shine

Alaska’s streak gave Rain or Shine their first loss Thursday night after escaping with an 89-88 victory in the PBA Philippine Cup at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center. in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Vic Manuel showed his pre-pandemic form when it mattered, scoring 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Aces rallied from being down 75-68 mid-period before enduring excruciating moments late for their third win. consecutive. after a 0-2 start.

Jeron Teng had 13 points and eight assists, while Abu Tratter and rookie Barkley Ebona added 10 points each for Alaska, which has been playing solid basketball following losses to TNT and Meralco.

“When things didn’t go the way we wanted, we went back to doing things that we knew we could do well, that is, defend and improve that aspect. We felt that would make things easier on the offensive side, ”Aces coach Jeffrey Cariaso said.

Alaska has capped its opponents to 83.7 points during all three wins, including against Rain or Shine.

Manuel’s jump shot and a one-handed shot gave the Aces an 85-80 and 87-83 lead in the final two minutes, but their decisive shots nearly went to naught when the Elasto Painters gave them a scare.

Beau Belga closed the gap to a point 89-88 with 7.3 seconds left, then forced Alaska guard Jvee Casio to fumble the ball out of bounds from Teng’s inning, giving Rain or Shine a chance to steal the game .

Rey Nambatac, who passed in the clutch against San Miguel Beer and NorthPort, tried to do it again when he used a Belgian pick to throw a layup. But Nambatac missed a finger flick against two defenders before time expired.

The defeat denied Rain or Shine a 4-0 start and a portion of second place with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel inactive.

He also ruined a career game for Sidney Onwubere, who led the Elasto Painters with 16 points. The former Emilio Aguinaldo College standout averaged 1.4 points in 20 games last season.

Javee Mocon and Adrian Wong, the PBA Press Corps’ first Rookie of the Week winner, added 14 and 12 points for Rain or Shine.

Scores:

ALASKA 89 – Manuel 18, Teng 13, Tratter 10, Ebona 10, Herndon 9, DiGregorio 7, Brondial 7, Casio 5, Ahanmisi 5, Galliguez 3, Ayaay 2, Marcelino 0.

RAIN OR BRIGHTNESS 88 – Onwubere 16, Mocon 14, Wong 12, Torres 10, Belga 10, Nambatac 7, Norwood 5, Yap 5, Doliguez 3, Rosales 2, Ponferada 2, Rivero 2, Tolentino 0.

Quarters: 22-18, 38-41, 61-63, 89-88.