Slow-starting Aces crush Boosters in Philippine Cup debut

For close to two quarters, Barako Bull appeared to be the better team against an Alaska squad that couldn’t seem to get going in its initial outing in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Then, reality set in. 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. The Aces finally got a feel of the game in the second half. 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. "We played a lot more freely in the second half. We played a very good second half on both sides of the floor," Cone said. 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 Boosters raced to an early 10-0 lead, with the Aces not scoring their first basket until 4:11 to go in the opening period, on DeVance’s one-handed shot. The Aces fell behind by as many as 12, 15-27, and were still trailing, 22-23, when their shots finally began to fall. Reynel Hugnatan, Mike Burtscher and Topex Robinson failed to suit up for Alaska, 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