ALASKA overcame a shaky third quarter to wallop Blackwater, 93-74, for its first win in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Vic Manuel dropped 15 of his 27 points in the payoff period as the Aces denied the Elite’s rally that cut a 30-point lead, 49-19, to seven, 66-59, early in the fourth quarter.
Antonio Campbell also poured in 23 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for Alaska to erase the memory of Friday’s heartbreaking 103-109 defeat to Rain or Shine.
Calvin Abueva also came up big despite having a 0-of-10 shooting clip. Abueva made his presence felt in different areas, finishing with 10 boards, six assists, two steals, and two blocks on top of his three points.
“Calvin Abueva gave us the fire,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “I can’t describe it. He played just like exactly what we’re looking for. He helped us on the rebounds, he got the loose ball, and he got a lot of shots for his teammates.”