Manuel scores 27 as Alaska whips Blackwater

After losing in overtime in their previous game, the Alaska Aces recovered to defeat the Blackwater Elite, 93-74, on Sunday in the elimination round of the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Vic Manuel led Alaska off the bench with 27 points, while import Antonio Campbell tallied 23 with 19 rebounds in 31 minutes on the floor.

No other Alaska player scored in double figures, but head coach Alex Compton got a lot of help from Ping Exciminiano, Simon Enciso, and Marion Magat, who all combined for 20 points in limited minutes.

The Aces set the tone early, kicking off a 27-11 blast to take the first period. They poured it on in the second, cruising to a 54-29 edge at the break.

The Elite were able to trim the deficit to just eight late in the third, but Vic Manuel made a late conversion to keep the Aces ahead by double digits heading into the payoff period, 66-56.

In the fourth, however, it was all Alaska, as they buried Blackwater in a 27-18 blitz that put the game away.

Veteran import Jarrid Famous led Blackwater with 27 points and 21 boards, but no other Elite player tallied more than 11 points. Roi Sumang and Mike Digregorio had nine apiece but off a combined 6 of 24 clip, while Poy Erram chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds.

With the win, Alaska improved to 1-1, while Blackwater dropped their third game in as many outings. — DVM, GMA News