Locals to the rescue

ANTIPOLO—With its import hobbled by foul trouble, Alaska turned to its local cast to keep a streaking Meralco at bay, 93-89, Sunday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ynares Center here.

The Aces drew 23 points from Chris Banchero and 17 more from Vic Manuel, who played just his second game after a long injury layoff, to win for the third straight time and rise to 4-2 overall.

The Bolts saw a two-game winning streak come to a halt as Meralco dropped to a level 3-3 slate.

Rain or Shine rolled to a second straight win after outgunning Phoenix Pulse in the stretch for an 89-82 win.

Denzel Bowles scored 28 points and had 14 rebounds for the Elasto Painters, who rose to 2-2 while dealing the Fuel Masters a third consecutive defeat in a 1-3 card.

“I just expected it to be a tough game,” Aces coach Alex Compton said. “Our locals, all of them, did a great job of playing together.”

Chris Daniels played just over 26 minutes because of fouls and contributed just 12 points and seven rebounds, numbers that clearly wouldn’t be able to win games unless other step up.

“Chris (Banchero) got guys going again, got himself some layups. And then Vic played 24 minutes, which I think violates my minute restriction for him,” he said with a wry smile.

But Compton said it was a mistake he’d live with as he tries to get Manuel in his best shape for the tougher grind ahead.

Aside from his significant offensive contribution, Manuel also provided a lot of muscle underneath for the Aces.

Only Blackwater, NorthPort squads and TNT are ahead of the Aces in the standings.

“I don’t think we’ll win the game without him. What he gives in offense is rare. Vic’s a unique player,” he said of his bruiser, who also collected six rebounds and had three steals.

While import Gani Lawal had a commendable showing with 27 points and 26 boards in Meralco’s losing stand, coaching staff could look at the local support—or the lack of it—for the loss.

Baser Amer had 11 points, while Nico Salva and Bong Quinto came off the bench to toss nine each.

The Bolts managed to narrow the gap to just 88-87 with 1:46 left to play, but were unable to pull the rug from under the Aces, who drew crucial plays from Banchero on both ends.

Alaska goes up against Phoenix while Meralco battles TNT when both squads return to action Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.