With a familiar face back in tow, Alaska regained its bearings at the right time.
The Aces snapped their two-game losing skid and took care of business with ease, outclassing and eliminating Phoenix, 114-91, to claim the No. 2 seed in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
With reinforcement Diamon Simpson back in the fold after eight years away, Alaska has rejuvenated right away, grasping control right from the get-go.
Using a balanced attack, something they lacked in their previous two losses, the Aces’ arsenal was in full display as they immediately grabbed a commanding 34-17 cushion right out of the gates at the end of one.
That was all the leverage that Alaska needed as it managed its double-digit well the rest of the way, immediately killing every bit of comeback attempt Phoenix uncorked.
Once again, Vic Manuel was at the forefront of Alaska’s onslaught, scoring a game-high 28 points and grabbing nine rebounds for a near double-double while Simpson was solid in his return, completing a double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds.
The scores:
Alaska 114—Manuel 28, Simpson 18, Banchero 14, Exciminiano 12, Enciso 10, Thoss 7, Teng 7, Baclao 4, Casio 4, Racal 3, R. Pascual 3, J. Pascual 3, Galliguez 1, Cruz 0.
Phoenix 91—Phelps 23, Wright 13, Revilla 10, Perkins 10, Jazul 8, Intal 6, Eriobu 6, Guevarra 4, Dehesa 4, Mendoza 3, W. Wilson 3, Chua 1, Kramer 0, Gamboa 0.
Quarters: 34-17, 53-42, 80-63, 114-91.
