Manuel, Aces hold off gritty Dyip for 4th win

The Alaska Aces banked on a huge third-quarter fightback to escape the Terrafirma Dyip, 99-96, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Tuesday, October 27. 

Down by as many as 14 points, 29-43, midway through the 2nd period, the Aces surged ahead to keep the the game within striking distance and went on a scorching 20-7 run in the 3rd period to take the lead by 6, 65-59.

“We expected them to come out and be as aggressive as they did. They were awesome defensively, setting the tone in the first half,” said Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso of the Dyip.

“I’m happy with how the boys adjusted and was able to execute in the second half,” he added as the Aces outscored the Dyip, 34-27, in 3rd period.

Vic Manuel led the Aces with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Robbie Herndon added 12 points, while Casio and Digregorio had 11 points, respectively.

Knotted at 79-all at the start of the final frame, the two teams went back and forth the whole period until a Jvee Casio layup that gave the Aces the advantage, 97-96 with 1:34 remaining. 

With Terrafirma down by just 3, 96-99, with 8 seconds left, Eric Camson missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer, as the Dyip remained winless in 5 outings while the Aces improved to 4-3.

CJ Perez, the leading scorer of the league so far, had another stellar performance with 25 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists, while Juami Tiongson contributed 21 points for the Dyip.

The Scores:

Alaska 99 – Manuel 18, Herndon 12, Casio 11, Digregorio 11, Tratter 10, Galliguez 9, Ayaay 8, Ahamnisi 8, Teng 7, Eboña 5, Brondial 0.

Terrafirma 96 – Perez 25, Tiongson 21, Adams 11, Camson 11, Ramos 10, Mccarthy 8, Calvo 4,  Gabayni 4, Faundo 2, Balagasay 0, Celda 0, Cahilig 0. 

Quarters: 19-28, 45-52, 79-79, 99-96. 

– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com