Alaska’s Vic Manuel. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Alaska proved yet again that it made the right choice in Shane Edwards as the Aces came out charging in the second half to blast the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 105-89, and streak to their third straight triumph in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Edwards—who replaced the injured Rob Dozier and led Alaska to all their wins this conference—pumped in 23 of his game-high 33 points in the second half where the Aces turned their game around.
“Shane looks like a track star out there,” Alaska coach Alex Compton said of their efficient import, who also hauled down 16 boards. “He just kept running and running. He was great for us and Vic (Manuel) continues to be awesome.”
Manuel scattered 26 markers in the game where the Aces jumped to a 10-0 start after the break to wrest the lead, 53-48, before rolling to a wide 92-76 advantage midway in the fourth quarter.
“Our defense was lot better in the second half,” said Compton as the Aces kept solo second with a 3-1 record while pinning a third loss on the Fuel Masters.
Rain or Shine import Antoine Wright made a case for himself, meanwhile, helping the Elasto Painters snap a three-game skid by turning back NLEX, 121-94, in the first game.
“We have to make an evaluation whether we want to keep him or make that decision to get another import in,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “But the way he played today will give us second thoughts.”
Wright delivered the numbers and the win this time by unloading 20 points, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out seven assists and tallying two steals.
The Elasto Painters joined a five-way logjam at the bottom half of the standings at 2-3 with the Road Warriors and idle Blackwater, Globalport and Talk ’N Text.
The scores:
First Game
RAIN OR SHINE 121—Wright 20, Ponferada 15, Almazan 14, Chan 12, Cruz 12, Quinahan 12, Ahanmisi 10, Teng 9, Norwood 8, Belga 3, Tiu 3, Matias 2, Trollano 1, Ibanes 0, Nimes 0.
NLEX 94—Thornton 19, Anthony 17, Taulava 14, Reyes 12, J Vilanueva 10, Enciso 7, Lanete 7, Alas 4, Khobuntin 2, Cardona 2, Arboleda 0, Rios 0, E Villanueva 0, Borboran 0.
Quarters: 29-22, 58-43, 85-70, 121-94
Second Game
ALASKA 105—Edwards 33, Manuel 26, Thoss 12, Abueva 8, Banchero 7, Jazul 6, Baguio 4, Casio 3, Dela Cruz 2, Exciminiano 2, Racal 2, Eman 0, Hontiveros 0, Vanlandingham 0.
PHOENIX 89—Pinkney 27, Garcia 15, Intal 14, Wilson 10, Monfort 8, Baracael 6, Pennisi 3, Brondial 2, Lanete 2, Miranda 2, Caperal 0, Forrester 0, Knuttel 0, Sorongon 0.
Quarters: 19-18, 43-48, 76-68, 105-89