MANILA, Philippines -- The Alaska Aces fought back from 12 points down in the fourth period to steal Game One of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, 90-81, against the June Mar Fajardo-less San Miguel Beermen on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Vic Manuel and Chris Banchero led the fourth quarter comeback of the Aces who wiped out the 80-68 lead of the San Miguel Beermen.
Best Player of the game: Vic "The Muscle Man" Manuel with 24pts and 5rebs. pic.twitter.com/dAJuMxNE6n
— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 17, 2016 Calvin Abueva also finished in double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds while Banchero added 15 points.
Manuel waxed hot in the fourth scoring 14 points and even drew Arwind Santos' final foul at the height of their rally.
The Beermen are hoping for Fajardo's return in Game Two on Tuesday as the MRI result will be known on Monday.
In Fajardo's absence, Yancy de Ocampo stepped up pumping in a season-high 18 points and seven boards while Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter carried much of the fight with 20 and 19, respectively.