MANILA, Philippines – Alaska gave Magnolia a rude welcome in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as it cruised to a 103-80 thrashing at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, June 5.

Four players breached double figures for the Aces in the wire-to-wire win that saw star forward Vic Manuel return to the court after missing the entire Philippine Cup due to injuries. 

Import Chris Daniel went 4-of-4 from deep and finished with 18 of his 23 points in Alaska’s third-quarter pullaway, while JVee Casio added 17 points off 3 three-pointers. 

The Hotshots were within striking distance at the break, 38-50, before they were outscored 39-26 by the Aces as their deficit grew to 25 entering the final frame. 

That did not prevent Alaska – which improved to 3-2 – from pushing the action, further extending its lead to 28 points off a Casio layup early in the payoff period, 94-66. 

Jeron Teng had a double-double of 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Simon Enciso and Manuel chipped in 11 and 6 points, respectively, in the win.

Ian Sangalang paced the Hotshots, who were coming off a finals loss in the All-Filipino conference, with 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Mark Barroca chalked up 15 points. 

Import John Fields had a relatively quiet night in the loss with 12 points and 6 rebounds. 

The Scores

Alaska 103 – Daniels 23, Casio 17, Teng 12, Enciso 11, Cruz 9, Banchero 8, Manuel 6, Thoss 4, Ayaay 4, Exciminiano 2, Racal 2, Galliguez 2, Babilonia 2, Andrada 1, Potts 0, Pascual 0.

Magnolia 80 – Sangalang 17, Barroca 15, Fields 12, Lee 9, Jalalon 7, Herndon 6, Ramos 5, Melton 4, Dela Rosa 3, Brondial 2, Pascual 0, Simon 0.

Quarters: 25-20, 50-38, 89-64, 103-80

– Rappler.com