Abueva, Manuel combine for 48 as Alaska grinds out win over Star in OT

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel conspired for 48 points to lead the Alaska Aces in a 97-90 victory over the Start Hotshots in overtime during the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, January 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Abueva powered the Aces in the extra session, scoring the go-ahead bucket to start and later on 3 straight points for the 93-89 cushion with 1:08 to go. But it was his hustle on the defensive end that sealed the deal, grabbing a steal inside the final minute and securing key offensive rebounds.

Abueva finished with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and one block. Manuel had a team-high 25 points with 8 rebounds.

RJ Jazul and JVee Casio had 13 and 10 points, respectively, as Alaska survived despite getting out-rebounded 46-57.

Allein Maliksi poured 11 of his team-high 15 points in the fourth quarter, including the long triple with 1:21 left in regulation that tied the game at 86 and forced overtime.

Rafi Reavis and PJ Simon had 13 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Hotshots, who rallied from and 11-point deficit in the third. Mark Barroca and Paul Lee chipped in 10 points apiece.

Alaska broke the tie in the standings with Star, improving to 4-3, while the Hotshots fell to 3-4. 

Scores:

Alaska (97): Manuel 25, Abueva 23, Jazul 13, Casio 10, Exciminiano 7, Banchero 6, Dela Cruz 6, Racal 3, Pascual 3, Mendoza 1, Thoss 0, Magat 0, Cruz 0, Galliguez 0, Hontiveros 0.

Star (90): Maliksi 15, Reavis 13, Simon 12, Lee 10, Barroca 10, Brondial 7, Pingris 6, Ramos 6, Sangalang 4, Jalalon 4, Melton 3, Abundo 0, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarter scores: 18-16, 40-46, 72-65, 86-86, 97-90.

– Rappler.com