VIC Manuel shrugged off trade rumors and played well enough to win PBA Press Corps-Cignal Player of the Week honors after helping Alaska stay in contention for a playoff berth in the PBA Governors Cup.
Manuel muscled his way for 23 points and 10 rebounds as the Aces turned back NorthPort Batang Pier, 106-99. Their third win in their last four outings kept the Uytengsu franchise in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The first back-to-back victories for Alaska under coach Jeff Cariaso improved the Aces' record to 3-6 after losing its first five games in the conference.
The 32-year-old Manuel has a lot to do with that as the forward from Licab, Nueva Ecija has been delivering consistently on both ends of the floor, unmindful of the trade talks involving him.
'The Muscleman' edged rookie teammate Abu Tratter for the weekly honor.
Tratter, who also got his fair share of the votes, finished with 17 points and nine rebounds against the Batang Pier.
Seven other players vied for the weekly honor namely, Kiefer Ravena, Jericho Cruz, and Poy Erram of NLEX, rookie Bong Quinto, Chris Newsome, and Raymund Almazan of Meralco, and veteran Barangay Ginebra guard LA Tenorio.
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