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Vic Manuel from Alaska vs. Justin Chua. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Alaska used strong momentum in the fourth quarter to push Phoenix back for a second straight victory, 105-97, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Thursday at the University of Angeles Foundation.
The Aces improved to a 5-3 record while foiling the Fuel Masters bet to extend their winning streak to three games as the latter fell to 4-3.
Down four, 75-71, late in the third, Alaska made a frantic run to start the final period and took a 15-point lead, 97-82, after Robbie Herndon’s layup capped off a methodical 26-7 run with 4:14 to play.
“I couldn’t be prouder because we really demonstrated the resilience that we talked about,” Aces head coach Jeffrey Cariaso said. “We had to dig deep.”
“We know they are going to take a lot of triples, so they are going to shoot, so we have to defend it and not make it affect us when they do.”
Although Phoenix still hit his fair share of deep balls at 17-for-42, the Aces made sure they were the ones to back him up on fast plays.
Alaska took advantage of the Fuel Masters’ mishandling of the ball, converting 25 points in turnovers and also scoring 12 fast break points and 20 second-chance points.
Vic Manuel had 24 points with seven rebounds to lead Alaska, while Mike Digregorio added 21 points, on 4 of 7 shooting from deep.
Matthew Wright finished with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists to lead Phoenix, while Calvin Abueva had 18 points, eight rebounds and five dimes in just his second game back from suspension.
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