Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Blackwater banked on a strong second half showing to get the better of import-less Alaska Aces, 107-101, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup on Friday (February 19) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Carlo Lastimosa paced Blackwater with 24 points, while import MJ Rhett chipped in with 18 markers and 21 rebounds.
Alaska import Robert Dozier did not suit up for the Aces due to injury in their opening game of the conference, and his absence was felt.
The Aces kept the game close after two quarters, entering the break trailing only 50-51. But it all fell apart in the second half for the Philippine Cup finalists.
The Elite got hot in the second half as they stretched their lead to as much as 90-74 with 9:42 left in the final period.
Alaska trimmed the deficit 101-105 with 55 ticks left on the clock off a Vic Manuel jumper, but failed to make their succeeding possessions count to pressure Blackwater.
Manuel led Alaska with 20 markers.
The Blackwater Elite will look to continue their winning ways against the Star Hotshots on Wednesday (February 24), while the Alaska Aces will face the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on the same day.
