Alaska cruises past Phoenix, stays unscathed with Edwards in tow

Shane Edwards vs defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Alaska cruised to its third straight win after beating Phoenix, 105-89, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces remained undefeated with Shane Edwards in tow and moved to 3-1 overall. Edwards posted a double-double with 33 points and 16 rebounds.

“Obviously, our defense was a lot better in the second half. I really thought our defensive intensity was just fantastic. I don’t know the stats yet but I know we were able to force a lot of turnovers,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton, whose team got the Fuel Masters turning the ball over 26 times, 17 off steals.

“Shane looks like a track star out there, he just keeps on running and running. Vic (Manuel) continues to be awesome. He’s just been great.”

Manuel led all locals in scoring with 26 points on 11-of-16 shooting that went with four rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes off the bench.

Edwards, who is filling in for the recuperating Rob Dozier, also had three steals and three blocks. His dunk early in the third quarter put the Aces ahead for good, 49-48, after trailing by as much as nine late in the second period.

A three-point play by Manuel pushed Alaska’s lead to 19, 95-76, with only 5:10 left.

Kevinn Pinkney had 27 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks for the Fuel Masters, who have now lost three in a row after their rousing PBA debut.