MANILA — Alaska stays alive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
The Aces romped the San Miguel Beermen, 125-104, in Game 3 of their best-of-five series at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City Friday night.
With its back against the wall after falling 0-2 down, Alaska made a huge wake-up call, dropping 37 points in the second quarter while pulling away late in the third quarter and holding SMB to just 22 in that period. Alaska would lead by as much as 23.
Vic Manuel had his best game this series, making 24 points, six rebounds, one assist, and three steals.
Diamon Simpson added 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting with 13 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.
Renaldo Balkman made 28 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, but he too has seven turnovers, as SMB will have to play again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday night to finally clinch the series.
Box Scores:
Alaska 125: Manuel 24, Simpson 21, Casio 15, Enciso 10, Baclao 9, Exciminiano 9, Racal 8, J. Pascual 7, Galliguez 7, Teng 6, Cruz 5, Thoss 4
San Miguel 104: Balkman 28, Fajardo 18, Standhardinger 10, Lassiter 9, Ross 9, Cabagnot 8, Heruela 8, Lanete 6, Nabong 5, Santos 3, Rosser 0
Quarterscores: 27-25, 64-55, 94-77, 125-104 (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
