Vic Manuel powers streaking Alaska to become Player of the Week

MANILA, Philippines – Showing he has fully recovered from a right calf muscle injury that sidelined him for much of late last season, Vic Manuel was effective on both ends of the floor once again as he powered the Alaska Aces to back-to-back victories this past week.

The undersized Manuel tallied a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds plus two blocks and a steal, enabling the Aces to complete an 81-79 come-from-behind win over the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, December 14.

Manuel also provided some spark off the bench on Sunday, December 18, contributing 10 points, 5 rebounds, two steals, and a block as Alaska blew past Barangay Ginebra, 102-86.

His performance made him the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of December 12 to 18, beating a solid bunch of candidates led by 3-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo and playmaker Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer.

Star’s Paul Lee, TNT’s Kelly Williams, and Blackwater’s Art Dela Cruz were also nominated.

Manuel stepping up comes at a critical time as the Aces continue to miss the services of veteran big men Sonny Thoss and Noy Baclao, who are both still out of commission due to separate knee injuries.

Alaska is now riding a 3-game win streak after losing its first two outings. – Rappler.com