Aces nail first win, rip Chargers

Alaska Milk finally scored its first win in the 2005 Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference ironically in what could well be import Leon Derrick’s farewell game with the Aces last night at the Astrodome.

Derricks continued to struggle on the floor in his fourth game in the local pro league and the Aces had to bank on the endgame exploits of Jeffrey Cariaso and Brandon Cablay to repulse the Shell Turbochargers, 88-82, for their initial victory in the season-ending tourney.

Cariaso made a personal conference best 30 points while Cablay added 18 as the Aces checked a five-game losing skid dating back to the recent All-Filipino tourney.

"We’re always a slow-starting squad. Maybe it’s because the triangle is so complex, it’s hard to teach to the new guys. And of course, we’re missing Mike Cortez and we don’t even have our fourth guard Rob Duat," said coach Tim Cone whose Aces went 0-3 before barging into the win-column.

Actually, Derricks, who averaged only 9.7 points in Alaska’s first three games, outdid himself last night, tallying 15 points and 16 rebounds.

But the former Michigan State player was on the bench when the Aces made a decisive run to take control in the fourth quarter. And Derricks hardly made his presence felt as he returned in the final 1:17 of play.

Cone, however, refused to confirm reports that they have already found a much talented player to replace Derricks.

Barangay Ginebra escaped with an 86-83 win over Coca-Cola in overtime as Johnny Abarrientos’ desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer rimmed out later in the night.

"Ang hirap manalo. Right now, we’re still out of synch and still finding ways to win," said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.