Alaska obliterates hapless KIA, moves up 2nd in standings

Vic Manuel of Alaska(dark) vs Hamady N’Diaye of KIA(light) PBA IMAGE

Alaska went all in against KIA in a 101-63 destruction to move up into second place in the standings of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

As of posting time, the Aces are tied with the San Miguel Beermen for second place with 5-2 records.

Alaska put the laughs on the Carnival, especially in the fourth when they went on a 18-7 run with Vic Manuel converting on a three-point play to make it 88-57 at the 5:09 mark.

Aces head coach Alex Compton said his team never let up even with an insurmountable lead in the closing minutes, which was a great quality that coaches look for in their players.

“The things I really appreciate is that work hard everyday,” Compton said. “What I’m most proud of is the guys in the last six minutes honored the game.”

“I told them to honor the game, no showboating.”

Alaska took advantage of the time when Carnival import Hamaday N’Diaye spent his time on the bench as the Aces drove to the basket possession after possession.

Ping Exciminano pushed the Alaska lead to 34 with a layup of the break putting the Aces up 95-61.

Vic Manuel led five Aces who scored in double figures as he finished with 17 points while import Romeo Travis had 14 points and 10 boards.

Chris Banchero and Dondon Hontiveros had 14 points apiece for the Aces with the latter shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from the field, including 4-of-4 from deep.

N’Diaye led KIA with 18 points, seven boards, and three blocks.

The scores:

Alaska 101- Manuel 17, Travis 14, Banchero 14, Hontiveros 14, Casio 11, Jazul 9, Abueva 8, EXciminiano 7, Baclao 2, Menk 2, Thoss 2, Dela Rosa 1, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0, Baguio 0.

Kia 63 — NDiaye 18, CHang 10, Avenido 7, Dehesa 5, Pascual 4, Alvarez 4, Nuyles 4, Revila 3, Bagatsing 2, Ighalo 2, Thiele 2, Yee 2, Buensuceso 0, Webb 0, Deutchman 0.