Vic Manuel returns as Alaska blasts debuting Magnolia

The Alaska Aces made sure to give the returning Vic Manuel a warm welcome, pounding the debuting Magnolia Hotshots, 103-80, in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday evening at SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Manuel played for eight minutes and 48 seconds and finished with six points and a rebound in his first game this season. He last played in Game Five of the 2018 Governors’ Cup Finals last December 14, where he suffered a back injury.

“It’s great to see him back,” beamed Aces head coach Alex Compton. “Now we gotta make sure we keep him healthy.”

Chris Daniels led the welcoming committee for the Muscle Man with 23 points — 18 coming from the second half alone — on a perfect 4-of-4 clip from the three-point area, along with seven rebounds, two assists, and a block.

Jvee Casio provided 17 points in the win that pushed the Aces’ record to 3-2. Jeron Teng posted another double-double performance this conference with 12 points and 11 rebounds, as Simon Enciso chimed in 11 markers.

Chris Banchero was a field goal shy of a double-double as he made eight points and 11 of Alaska’s 31 assists.

Ian Sangalang set the pace for the Hotshots with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the floor and nine rebounds in the loss. Mark Barroca supplied 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.

Import John Fields had himself an underwhelming comeback in the PBA as he only had 12 points and six caroms.

Alaska will next face the Meralco Bolts this Sunday, June 9, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, while Magnolia will look to get their first win when they take on NorthPort Batang Pier next Wednesday, June 12, still at the Big Dome.

The Scores:

Alaska 103 – Daniels 23, Casio 17, Teng 12, Enciso 11, Cruz 9, Banchero 8, Manuel 6, Thoss 4, Ayaay 4, Exciminiano 2, Racal 2, Galliguez 2, Babilonia 2, Andrada 1, Potts 0, Pascual 0.

Magnolia 80 – Sangalang 17, Barroca 15, Fields 12, Lee 9, Jalalon 7, Herndon 6, Ramos 5, Melton 4, Dela Rosa 3, Brondial 2, Pascual 0, Simon 0.

Quarterscores: 25-20, 50-38, 89-64, 103-80.