Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
ANTIPOLO — Alaska slipped past Meralco, 93-89, in a joust between two squads with identical records and streaks in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at Ynares Center here.
Chris Banchero delivered his finest scoring performance in the conference yet, scoring 23 points to lead the Aces. Vic Manuel, playing only in his second game in months, seemed to have recovered his lethal form, tossing in 17 points.
“I just expected it to be a tough game,” Aces coach Alex Compton said, whose squad improved to 4-2, good for the fourth spot in the tournament ladder.
“Our locals, all of them, did a great job of playing together,” he added.
Chris Daniels was limited to just 12 points and seven rebounds due to foul trouble, which enabled Banchero, Manuel and Jeron Teng crank it up late.
“It’s good to have him out there, doing what he does,” Compton said of Manuel.
Gani Lawal had a commendable showing with 27 points and 26 boards in Meralco’s losing stand, while Baser Amer added 11 points.
Nico Salva and Bong Quinto both fired nine points each off the bench helping the Bolts narrow the gap to 88-87 in with 1:46 left to play,
Meralco dropped to 3-3.
Alaska goes up against Phoenix while Meralco battles TNT next on Saturday at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Scores
Alaska 93 – Banchero 23, Manuel 17, Daniels 12, Teng 10, Pascual 7, Thoss 7, Enciso 5, Galliguez 5, Casio 3, Racal 2, Cruz 2.
Meralco 89 – Lawal 27, Amer 11, Salva 9, Quinto 9, Newsome 8, Caram 7, Hugnatan 4, Hodge 4, De Ocampo 3, Pinto 3, Canaleta 2, Jackson 2, Almazan 0.
Quarters: 18-19, 44-42, 71-66, 93-89.