Manuel stars anew as Aces oust Fuel Masters for quarters bonus

MANILA, Philippines — The Alaska Aces secured the second twice-to-beat incentive in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs at the expense of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in Friday night’s action at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Still without its star in Calvin Abueva, the Aces leaned on Vic Manuel anew. The Alaska forward paced the team with 28 points and flirted and nine rebounds.

Alaska went on to draw four more double-digit performances in the wire-to-wire victory. Returning import Diamon Simpson was at the forefront of reinforcing Manuel with 18 points, while Chris Banchero (14), Chris Exciminiano (12) and Simon Enciso (10) also chimed in on the effort.

“I like our energy going into the playoffs. ” said coach Alex Compton, whose Aces have rounded out their elimination round campaign with an 8-3 win-loss record. They locked on the second spot in the next round.

“Obviously, Diamon only had a few days, but he — defensively and energy-wise — gave us really what we needed. I think the (new) guys really like him,” he added.

Simpson was the franchise’s import in 2010 and was a crucial cog in the team’s championship run.

Phoenix, which got the boot from playoff contention, relied on the services of its import Eugene Phelps, who led the Fuel Masters with 23 points. Matthew Wright added 13 points while points LA Revilla and Jason Perkins chipped in 10 apiece. L

The Fuel Masters and Louie Alas finish the mid-season tournament with a 4-7 slate.

Also returning for the Aces was Jeron Teng, who was coming from a recovery period from a stabbing incident last month.

Alaska’s victory keeps Barangay Ginebra, GlobalPort and Magnolia’s respective playoff bids alive. The Gin Kings and the Batang Pier slug it out in the nightcap.

The scores:

Alaska 114 - Manuel 28, Simpson 18, Banchero 14, Exciminiano 12, Enciso 10, Thoss 7, Teng 7, Baclao 4, Casio 4, Racal 3, R. Pascual 3, J. Pascual 3, Galliguez 1, Cruz 0.

Phoenix 91 - Phelps 23, Wright 13, Revilla 10, Perkins 10, Jazul 8, Intal 6, Eriobu 6, Guevarra 4, Dehesa 4, Mendoza 3, W. Wilson 3, Chua 1, Kramer 0, Gamboa 0.

Quarters: 34-17, 53-42, 80-63, 114-91.