The absence of star forward Calvin Abueva hardly affected Alaska, as the Aces completed the comeback and stunned the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 109-103, to collect their fifth straight win, Saturday at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
This is now the second time in the season that Abueva has been missing for Alaska. Aces head coach Alex Compton confirmed that the Beast has yet to show up — or even reach out — to the team since the All-Star break last week.
“If you’re watching, I hope you’re okay,” said Compton. “He didn’t show up to practice since the All-Star break. We’ve been reaching out, but we don’t know where he is. He’s been going through personal issues. We hope he’s okay.”
With their franchise player out, the Aces played inspired ball, with streaky forward Vic Manuel leading the charge with 22 points — his fifth straight 20-plus point-game this conference — on top of three steals and two rebounds.
Touted as the Muscle Man, Manuel played a pivotal role in Alaska’s finishing kick in the fourth quarter, scoring back-to-back jumpers to punctuate a furious 18-3 run en route to a 105-93 lead with 2:44 remaining in the match.
The late-game blitzkrieg that eventually led to their fifth straight win — and a share of the top spot of the team standings — was the perfect way to cap off their fightback, as they went down by as much as 15 in the first half.
The Batang Pier still tried to fight back as they closed within distance, 103-107, with 49 seconds to go, but Jvee Casio struck the dagger right into their hearts with a tough runner with 39 ticks left to secure the win.
Chris Banchero also made his presence felt witb 19 points, seven dimes, and five caroms. Import Antonio Campbell produced 18 points, 18 rebounds, and six blocks, while Jvee Casio and Kevin Racal scored 12 and 10, respectively.
Import Malcolm White led the now-3-4 Batang Pier with 27 points and eight rebounds. Stanley Pringle provided 26 points and six dimes, while forward Sean Anthony produced 16 markers, eight boards, four feeds, and a steal.
Alaska will next face the Magnolia Hotshots on June 10, Sunday, 6:45 PM, still at the Big Dome. GlobalPort, meanwhile, will aim to end their skid versus the San Miguel Beermen on June 13, Wednesday, 4:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Alaska (109) – Manuel 22, Banchero 19, Campbell 18, Casio 12, Racal 10, Thoss 8, Teng 8, Enciso 6, Exciminiano 3, Magat 3.
GlobalPort (103) – White 27, Pringle 26, Anthony 16, Nabong 12, Javelona 7, Grey 6, Tautuaa 5, Elorde 4, Sargent 0, Teng 0, Araña 0.
Quarterscores: 20-29, 50-59, 85-83, 109-103
