Slow-starting Aces Defeated the Energy Boosters, 88-64

The Aces didn't show their championship poise for close to two quarters, making Barako Bull appeared to be the better team against an them in their initial outing in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Aces outscored the Boosters, 13-2, in the final three minutes of the second period, highlighted by L.A. Tenorio’s booming three-pointer three seconds before halftime that put Alaska in front for good, 35-34.

Two more quarters after, the reigning Fiesta Cup champions had the game safely wrapped up, 88-64, for a share of the early lead with three other teams in the season-opening conference .

That first half, I hope we don’t ever see that again for the rest of the conference," said coach Tim Cone.

"It was a little frustrating in the beginning. I think we missed our first eight shots and shot no more than 20 percent. We kind of expected it, a bad start, but not that bad," he added.

They went on a big 16-2 tear in the third period to finally take control and notch their first win in the team’s bid for a second straight championship.

Joe DeVance, wearing an Afro hairstyle, led Alaska with 24 points and had 12 rebounds, Tenorio added 18, while Sonny Thoss and Cyrus Baguio had 11 each.

New acquisition Sunday Salvacion fired 22 points to pace Barako Bull. Mark Isip came through with 14 markers, including 12 in the first half, while rookie Hans Thiele had 12.

The Aces were trailing by as many as 12, 15-27, and were still behind by a  single point, 22-23, when their shots finally began to fall.

Reynel Hugnatan, Mike Burtscher and Topex Robinson failed to play their game for the Aces, while rookie Elmer Espiritu played his first game as a pro with a slight cut just above his lip after being whacked by Isip during a rebound play. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV

Scores:

Alaska- De Vance 24, Tenorio 18, Thos 11, Baguio 11, Custodio 9, Dela Cruz 8, Sotto 6, Eman 1, Espiritu 0, Borboran 0.

Barako 64- Salvacion 22, Isip 14, Thiele 12, Wainwright 5, Juntilla 4, Alonzo 2, Andaya 2, Hubalde 2, Cruz 1, Duncil 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarter scores: 14-18, 35-34, 64-50, 88-64.