Alaska blasts off in second half to cool down Phoenix

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Alaska pulled away in the final 24 minutes to trample Phoenix, 105-89, in the main game of the PBA Commissioner's Cup doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.

The Aces outscored the Fuel Masters, 62-41, in the second half to continue their bounce back mission from a stinging Philippine Cup finals defeat.

Shane Edwards tallied 33 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and three steals, while Vic Manuel contributed 26 points, four rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal for Alaska, which has now won three straight games.

New foreign recruit Kevin Pinkney had 27 points, 12 boards, three assists, two blocks, and two steals for Phoenix, although he had eight errors.

Box Scores:

Alaska 105-Edwards 33, Manuel 26, Thoss 12, Abueva 8, Banchero 7, Jazul 6, Baguio 4, Casio 3, Dela Cruz 2, Exciminiano 2, Racal 2, Eman 0, Hontiveros 0, Vanlandingham 0

Phoenix 89-Pinkney 27, Garcia 15, Intal 14, Wilson 10, Monfort 8, Baracael 6, Pennisi 3, Brondial 2, Lanete 2, Miranda 2, Caperal 0, Forrester 0, Knuttel 0, Sorongon 0

Quarterscores: 19-18, 43-48, 76-68, 105-89

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