MANILA – Alaska Aces squandered an early lead before pulling off a 120-111 victory over NLEX Road Warriors in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Anthony Campbell led the way with 28 points.
Vic Manuel had double-double 22 points and 11 rebounds while Jvee Casio contributed 16 points.
With the win, the Aces tied Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on top of the standings with 7-1 win-loss slate.
The Aces started strong in the game and was able to lead by as much as 18 points on hits from Campbell and Kevin Racal. The Road Warriors, however, rallied back in the second half to snatch a five-point edge.
In the final quarter, the Aces regained control of the game with conversions from Campbell, Simon Enciso and Chris Banchero to pull away for good at 120-108.
Arnett Moultrie finished with 34 points. JR Quinahan added 17 markers while Mark Tallo made an impressive debut with 11 points for the Road Warriors.
In the first game, Meralco Bolts banked on its torrid shooting in the opening half to score a lopsided 102-75 victory over the also-ran Blackwater Elite and secure a quarterfinals seat.
Arinze Onuaku led the way with double-double 17 points and 16 rebounds. Ilonggo Antonio Jose Caram added 13 markers while Clifford Hodge contributed 12 points for the Bolts (6-2).
The Bolts waxed hot early with a 10-2 start behind Hodge and Caram to build a 59-30 lead at the half.
The lead continued to grow in the second half and reached its largest at 93-52 on an inside hit by Marnel Baracael.
“I thought my guys played with a sense of urgency. It was a must-win situation for us, especially with the three games coming up in the schedule. We really wanted to come out and establish our defense,” said Bolts head coach Norman Black.
Henry Walker finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists while Allein Maliksi contributed 12 markers for the Elite, which dropped to last place in the standings with 1-9 card./PN
