Game today
Davao City
5 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Meralco
Fillilng in for the injured starting center Sonny Thoss, veteran big man Erik Menk turned back the hands of time as helped the Alaska Aces remain unbeaten with a 69-56 win over expansion team Blackwater Elite last night in the 40th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Acquired in the off-season, the 40-year-old Menk played his best game in an Alaska uniform, firing 14 points while hauling down 13 rebounds. The Aces remained on top of the team standings with a perfect 6-0 (win-loss) slate.
In a stark contrast, Blackwater further dropped to the bottom of the standings with its sixth loss in as many games.
Blackwater kept the game early but Alaska started pulling away in the second quarter and led by 12 at the half, 32-20.
Alaska opened up a 38-21 lead in the third but Blackwater once again made the game close, 43-38.
Alaska put up the finishing touches behind a 17-3 assault that gave them a 65-47 lead going into the final two minutes of the game.
BOX SCORES:
ALASKA (69) – Menk 14, Abueva 13, Manuel 10, Banchero 6, Baguio 6, Hontiveros 6, Casio 4, Eximiano 3, Jazul 3, Bugia 2, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0, Dela Rosa 0.
BLACKWATER (56) — Rodriguez 10, Erram 9, Menor 9, Gamalinda 5, Salvacion 5, Artadi 4, Timberlake 3, Tiongson 3, Faundo 2, Nuyles 2, Ballesteros 2, Laure 2, Celis 0, Cawaling 0.QUARTERSCORES: 15-9, 32-20, 46-38, 69-56.