Vic Manuel was visibly elated on Tuesday night, as the second-seeded Alaska Aces secured the first semifinal slot of the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup with an 89-78 victory over the upset-hungry Magnolia Hotshots.
What has Manuel and the Aces beaming is the fact that this will be Alaska’s first semis stint in two years, or since the 2016 edition of the mid-season joust where they lost the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Finals
“Masaya kasi after dalawang taon ata, ‘di kami naka-semis. Sobrang saya kasi nakabalik na kami ngayon,” said the 30-year-old after the triumph.
Manuel shone the brightest in the semis-clinching win. As Magnolia inched within four from a 16-point deficit, Manuel powered a mini 6-0 spurt — to restore order, 88-78, and keep the Hotshots at bay the rest of the way.
The 30-year-old finished with 22 points, extending his scoring streak at least 20 points to 11 games now. Manuel shot 10-of-20 from the floor, and was just a rebound shy of a double-double as he hauled down nine caroms.
“Continue ko pa rin, continue ko pa rin.
“Dapat, every game, yung ginagawa ko, ma-continue ko, ma-maintain ko. Kung pwede ko pang higitan. Kaso, parang yun na yung limit ko,” quipped the 6-foot-4 forward with a chuckle.
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For everything that has happened to Alaska in this mid-season joust, Manuel provided the bright spot.
Manuel served as the positive force for the Milkmen after a string of issues, from star forward Calvin Abueva’s sudden disappearances in practices and games, to Jeron Teng being involved in a brawl that got him stabbed.
But for Manuel, he’s just doing his part as a member of the Alaska family.
“Every game, talagang ready lang ako e. Nagkaproblema nga kami sa nawala yung dalawang scorer namin. Talagang kino-continue ko lang yung mga ginagawa ko para ma-maintain ko yung laro ko,” said Manuel.
“Siguro, kailangang alagaan ko lang yung sarili ko lang. Yun talaga naging problema ko sa mga nakaraang conference e kasi yung injury. Siguro, mas maging healthy ako, mas malaking bagay sa’kin.”
