Alaska stretches streak to 6, fends off GlobalPort in OT

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ANTIPOLO — Alaska held on to outlast GlobalPort, 105-98, in overtime for its sixth straight victory in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at Ynares Center here.

Vic Manuel scored four straight points in the extra period to break a 96-deadlock, the last of which was a layup for a 100-96 Alaska edge with 1:47 remaining. That cushion was enough for the Aces’ defense to keep the Batang Pier at bay and tighten their grip of third place with a 6-2 card.

Manuel finished with a game-high 21 points, seven coming in the overtime period, to go along with five rebounds off the bench.

JVee Casio added 16 markers on 5-of-10 sniping from downtown, on top of four rebounds and five assists while Chris Banchero also got 16 points, four rebounds, and two dimes.

Calvin Abueva chimed in a double-double with 12 markers, 12 boards that went with three assists, and two blocks to celebrate his 30th birthday with a win.

“We’re so fortunate to come away with this. Hats off to the players. They didn’t give up and they kept on going,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton as Alaska battled back from a 13-point deficit, 62-75, in the third period.

Putting their lackluster showing in the third frame behind, the Aces stormed back in the payoff period, capped off by Abueva and Kevin Racal linking up for the go-ahead undergoal stab, 92-91, with 1:01 remaining.

GlobalPort’s Kelly Nabong missed from point-blank on the other end, but Abueva could only muster a split from the line with 19.1 seconds left that led to Stanley Pringle’s game-tying drive with 8 seconds remaining to force the extra session.

Pringle paced the Batang Pier with 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Sean Anthony got 21 markers and 14 boards before leaving the game late in OT after twisting his left ankle.

Nabong had a double-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds on top of four blocks for GlobalPort, which dropped to 3-4 in the standings.

The Scores:

ALASKA 105 — Manuel 21, Banchero 16, Casio 16, Abueva 12, Teng 11, Thoss 8, Racal 6, Pascual 5, Cruz 4, Enciso 3, Exciminiano 2, Potts 1, Baclao 0.

GLOBALPORT 98 — Pringle 28, Anthony 21, Nabong 15, Grey 10, Guinto 8, Elorde 5, Sargent 5, Taha 4, Gabayni 2, Flores 0, Juico 0, Araña 0.

Quarters: 20-26, 43-48, 65-75, 93-93, 105-98.