MANILA, Philippines – For the nth time, Vic Manuel comes through for Alaska.

Manuel registered a career-high 35 points to help the Aces extend their winning streak to 6 games with a nail-biting 103-99 triumph over Magnolia in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 10.

Without key cogs Calvin Abueva and Jeron Teng, the Aces – who improved to 6-1 to book a ticket to the quarterfinals – rode on Manuel’s 4th-quarter heroics.

“The Muscleman” scored 18 points in the first 3 quarters, then erupted for 17 in the final frame as Alaska handed the Hotshots their 3rd straight loss. 

It was not just Manuel – who also had 7 rebound and two blocks – who delivered in cruchtime for the Aces.

JVee Casio, scoreless in the first 3 periods, poured in all of his 8 points in the 4th quarter, highlighted by a jumper with 59 seconds left in the clock that gave Alaska a 98-93 advantage.

Import Antonio Campbell backstopped Manuel with 28 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks.

Justin Jackson, who played his first PBA game, had 21 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists but that did not prevent the Hotshots from falling to a 3-4 card. 

The Scores:

Alaska (103): Manuel 35, Campbell 28, Thoss 9, Casio 8, Banchero 7, Enciso 6, Racal 5, Baclao 4, Exciminiano 1, Pascual 0

Magnolia (99): Jackson 21, Lee 21, Melton 14, Reavis 9, Simon 9, Barroca 9, dela Rosa 9, Jalalon 4, Herndon 2, Brondial 1, Ramos 0, Pascual 0

Quarter scores: 23-16, 46-39, 71-70, 103-99

– Rappler.com