Alaska escapes ROS's late push for 3rd straight win

Vic Manuel powers his way to a season-high. PBA Images
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Alaska pulled off a late fourth quarter comeback but still had to withstand one more rally from Rain Or Shine for an 89-88 win in their PBA game at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Thursday night.

Down 71-78 with 5:51 left, the Aces went on a 14-2 run to take an 85-80 lead with 1:43 left.

The Elasto Painters did not give up and drew to within just two, 86-88, with 39 seconds left.

Already out of timeout, Alaska was forced to a five-second inbound violation as ROS quickly went to defense after Rey Nambatac's three that cut the gap to just two.

Nambatac, however, opted for another three-point attempt that he missed badly in the next play, and Vic Manuel grabbed the rebound afterward.

Manuel, however, left the door open for the Elasto Painters to at least force overtime as he only made a split from the free throw line off a Nambatac foul with 13.1 seconds to go.

Beau Belga played some decoy in the next play and faked a triple for a wide open layup with seven seconds to play.

ROS got the ball back after forcing Jeron Teng to a bad inbound pass, leaving the team four seconds to win it.

Nambatac had the golden chance to steal the victory, but Robbie Herndon did just enough help defense as Nambatac blew the potential game winning layup at the final buzzer.

Manuel finished with a season-high 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal for the Aces, who have now won three straight games after a 0-2 start.

Teng added 13 points, three rebounds, and eight assists.

Sidney Onwubere top scored for the Elasto Painters, who lost for the first time this season after a 3-0 start, with 16 points and two assists.

Box Scores:

Alaska 89-Manuel 18, Teng 13, Tratter 10, Ebona 10, Herndon 9, Digregorio 7, Brondial 7, Casio 5, Ahanmisi 5, Galliguez 3, Ayaay 2, Marcelino 0

Rain Or Shine 88-Onwubere 16, Mocon 14, Wong 12, Belga 10, Torres 10, Nambatac 7, Norwood 5, Yap 5, Doliguez 3, Rosales 2, Ponferada 2, Rivero 2, Tolentino 0

Quarterscores: 22-18, 38-41, 61-63, 89-88