Vic Manuel got the better of Calvin Abueva as Alaska fashioned out a come-from-behind 105-97 win over Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Thursday, October 29.

Playing against his close friend and former teammate Abueva for the first time in more than a year, Manuel issued his finest game of the conference with 24 points and 7 rebounds to key the Aces to a 5-3 record.

Manuel, who shot a healthy 11-of-14 clip, looked like he could do no wrong offensively, particularly in the final quarter where he scored 10 points and sank timely buckets that took the fight out of the Fuel Masters.

He drained back-to-back baskets to give Alaska a 93-82 advantage and converted two more jump shots for a 99-85 cushion – a large enough lead to withstand a comeback stand from Matthew Wright and Phoenix.

Wright drilled in two big three-pointers in the last 1:30 minutes and RR Garcia buried a layup to put the Fuel Masters within shouting distance, 97-103, but time just was not on their side.

Mike Digregorio scored 21 points, with 14 coming in the last frame alone, including the foul shots with 20 seconds left that secured the win for Alaska.

Javee Casio had 13 points and 2 steals, Robbie Herndon chimed in 12 points and 7 assists, while Jeron Teng had 9 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds in the Aces’ second straight victory.

Rodney Brondial made his presence felt in the win with 8 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

Wright churned out 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists for Phoenix, which wasted a 14-point lead in the first half as it dropped to 4-3 and saw its two-game winning streak halted.

Abueva, who suited up in just his second game following his indefinite suspension that lasted for 16 months, backstopped Wright with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Scores

Alaska 105 – Manuel 24, DiGregorio 21, Casio 13, Teng 9, Brondial 8, Ayaay 6, Tratter 5, Ebona 4, Ahanmisi 3, Galliguez 0, Publico 0.

Phoenix 97 – Wright 27, Abueva 18, Chua 15, Perkins 10, Jazul 9, Intal 8, Garcia 7, Marcelo 2, Heruela 1, Napoles 0, Rios 0.

Quarters: 19-29, 49-55, 71-75, 105-97.

– Rappler.com