Balik-import Ellis delivers Alaska Aces to breakthrough win

MANILA, Philippines - There's nothing like having good old, reliable Rosell Ellis around. The aging but graceful import returned for another tour of duty for Alaska and finished with a double-double in his first game back as the Aces humbled the Purefoods Giants, 94-84, and handed out Tim Cone his 602nd win – the most in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history. Ellis, who arrived over the weekend to replace Galen Young, finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists to steer the Aces to their breakthrough win in the Motolite Fiesta Conference Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Alaska improved to 1-3 overall, but it was good enough to help Cone surpass the legendary Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan as the winningest mentor in the 34-year history of the PBA. “I’m just happy to have an owner stick with me all these years," said Cone later. “Baby is the legend and he deserves to be the legend. To me, it was just longevity." On Ellis, Cone said: “We’re just happy to have him back. I just hope his return puts us back in the championship picture." Tony de la Cruz chipped in 20 for the Aces and L.A. Tenorio 15 while delivering the killer blows against Purefoods when he scored six of Alaska’s last 8 points, including a triple that defused a late run by the Giants. Kerby Raymundo had 19 points and 8 rebounds, while James Yap rebounded from a horrible 1-for-12 shooting game against San Miguel Beer last Friday to score 18 points. PJ Simon contributed 16 points while import Brian Hamilton registered a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. Alaska led by as many as 13 points (44-31) and appeared headed for an easy victory when Reynel Hugnatan converted on a one-on-one low-post play that gave the Aces an 83-71 advantage with 5:12 left in the game. The last time Purefoods threatened was at 86-82 inside the final two minute mark on a three-pointer by James Yap. Tenorio however, countered at the other end with his own trey for an 89-82 Alaska lead. -GMANews.TV