Alaska eliminates Mahindra from playoff chase

Vic Manuel (Pictured) led Alaska, which now joined a long logjam for second place at 5-4, with 20 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block, while Calvin Abueva added a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds with one assist, three blocks, and one steal. (Photo: Alaska Aces/ Facebook)

MANILA –Alaska placed one foot into a PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal spot after mauling Mahindra, 107-91, in a crucial preliminary clash at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday night.

The Aces rallied in the fourth quarter, going on a game-turning 14-3 run midway through the period to seal the deal.

Vic Manuel led Alaska, which now joined a long logjam for second place at 5-4, with 20 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block, while Calvin Abueva added a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds with one assist, three blocks, and one steal.

Alex Mallari had 23 points, three rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and one block for Mahindra, which was formally booted out of playoff contention after slipping to 2-7.

The said result also eliminated NLEX and Meralco from quarterfinal chase.

Box Scores:

Alaska 107 — Manuel 20, Abueva 18, Casio 11, Jazul 9, Racal 9, Dela Cruz 7, Galliguez 7, Hontiveros 7, Thoss 5, Mendoza 5, Magat 3, Pascual 2, Exciminiano 2, Cruz 2

Mahindra 91 — Mallari 23, Escoto 16, Eriobu 15, Celda 10, Deutchman 9, Teng 7, Ballesteros 4, Paniamogan 3, Elorde 2, Yee 2, Revilla 0, Salva 0, Gallanza 0, Digregorio 0

Quarterscores 27-27, 53-42, 74-72, 107-91