Alaska downs Blackwater to zoom back to top spot

In the game where a share of the top spot in the team standings is on the line, the Aces outscored the Elite, 31-16, in the second quarter to take a 57-45 halftime lead. (photo: PBA/facebook)

In the game where a share of the top spot in the team standings is on the line, the Aces outscored the Elite, 31-16, in the second quarter to take a 57-45 halftime lead.

Blackwater still gave its all in the second half, eventually drawing to within three, 103-106, with 1:22 left, but Mike Harris and Vic Manuel connived for Alaska’s final blow.

Harris finished with 38 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block for Alaska, which joined Ginebra and Magnolia at 7-2, boosting its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Chris Banchero added 28 points on 12-of-16 shooting, four rebounds, and three assists.

Henry Walker’s triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists was put into waste as Blackwater fell to a tie with Phoenix for fourth place at 6-3.