Alaska turns back Mahindra behind Manuel’s 20

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Vic Manuel registered 20 points and 3 rebounds as the Alaska Aces pull away for good in the fourth period and straight to a 107-91 victory over the Mahindra Floodbuster in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, January 22 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Calvin Abueva had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds plus 3 blocks, while JVee Casio added 11 points and 6 assists.

The Aces, who improved to a 5-4 record, eliminated the Floodbuster from contention when they sent their foes to a 2-7 record.

Abueva splashes it from the left wing this time! #PBA2017 pic.twitter.com/WhzoWuZvUN

— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 22, 2017

Alex Mallari paced Mahindra with 23 points and 8 assists. He nearly made it an unfavorable triple-double with his 7 turnovers.

Russel Escoto and Joseph Eriobu chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively, as Reden Celda added 10 points.

Alaska created double-digit separation in the second quarter for a comfortable 53-42 lead at halftime before Mahindra rallied back in the third and sliced the deficit to two, 72-74.

@russelescoto ties it at 72-all! #PBA2017 #WeArePBA pic.twitter.com/pB1eKMSSJ5

— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 22, 2017

Alaska then pulled away permanently in the payoff period to preserve the win.

Scores:

Alaska (107): Manuel 20, Abueva 18, Casio 11, Jazul 9, Racal 9, Dela Cruz 7, Galliguez 7, Hontiveros 7, Thoss 5, Mendoza 5, Magat 3, Pascual 2, Exciminiano 2, Cruz 2.

Mahindra (91): Mallari 23, Escoto 16, Eriobu 15, Celda 10, Deutchman 9, Teng 7, Ballesteros 4, Paniamogan 3, Elorde 2, Yee 2, Revilla 0, Salva 0, Gallanza 0, Digregorio 0.

Quarter scores: 27-27, 53-42, 74-72, 107-91.

 – Rappler.com