PBA: Alaska shuts down Blackwater to remain unbeaten

Eric Menk had 14 points and 13 rebounds to give the Alaska Aces a 69-56 win over Blackwater on Friday.

"I thought we set the tone defensively in the first half," said Alaska head coach Alex Compton. "[The] energy is high. I'm happy with the way the guys responded."

Menk had help from Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel who posted 13 and 10 points, respectively. The Aces relied on their defense to pull out the win, limiting Blackwater to just 56 points.

Larry Rodriguez was the only bright spot for Blackwater, tallying 10 points. JP Erram and Ogie Menor had nine each.

The Aces shot poorly from deep, going 2-of-12. They made up for it by making more drom within the arc, connecting on 27-of-75 for 36 percent. They also forced Blackwater to 18 turnovers, while only committing eight.

"We still have to improve in a lot of areas," Compton added. Nothing we are doing is secret. I think the team's out there knows how to play us." - Renee Fopalan, GMA News


The scores:

Alaska 69 -- Menk 14, Abueva 13, Manuel 10, Banchero 6, Baguio 6, Hontiveros 6, Casio 4, Eximiano 3, Jazul 3, Bugia 2, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0, Dela Rosa 0.

Blackwater 56 -- Rodriguez 10, Erram 9, Menor 9, Gamalinda 5, Salvacion 5, Artadi 4, Timberlake 3, Tiongson 3, Faundo 2, Nuyles 2, Ballesteros 2, Laure 2, Celis 0, Cawaling 0.

Quarters: 15-9; 32-20; 46-38; 69-56