Aces make it four in row vs Giants

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk scored back-to-back wins in three days and made it four in a row versus Purefoods in their head-to-head duel in the season in fashioning out an 80-74 victory in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.

Despite limited minutes from injured ace center Sonny Thoss, the Aces sustained the momentum of their 100-90 rout of the Barako Bull Energy Boosters at the Araneta Coliseum Friday, improving their win-loss record to 4-6.

Rosell Ellis, Joe Devance, Jeffrey Cariaso and LA Tenorio took over from Willie Miller in this game, dishing out sterling games to keep the Aces’ domination of the Giants this season.

“It seems we always catch them at the right time,” said coach Tim Cone after his team made it 4-0 versus Purefoods in the season, handing the Giants a fourth loss against the same number of wins in the tourney.

“But I think we really have a good match-up with them. They’re big, strong and powerful team but we’re also big and strong. Jeff (Cariaso) does a good job against James Yap and we also have good players doing good defending them up front,” Cone added.

Cone said they’re back on the run as they have gained a second wind after figuring in the recent Philippine Cup finals.

“We’re a little worn out at the start of the tourney. And Rosell was worn out too coming from his extended stint with his team in the Australian league. But I think we’re back into the groove. We’re more attentive now and carefully following the game plan. Being attentive, our turnovers were down in the last couple of games,” said Cone.

Against Purefoods, Alaska did play very well, leading from start to finish.

Ellis got away with a sixth double-double game in the conference with 20 points and 13 rebounds, Devance tossed in a game-high 22 points, Tenorio had a solid all-round game with nine points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal while Cariaso contributed 10 points and two rebounds.

Miller chipped in six points, six rebounds and two assists while playing off the bench for the second straight game.

Sta. Lucia likewise kept its mastery of Barako Bull, pulling off a 98-88 win to firm up its hold of second place behind San Miguel Beer (7-0) with a 6-3 card.

Anthony Johnson came through with 29 points and 19 rebounds with Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, Nelbert Omolon and Joseph Yeo each adding at least 12 points as the Realtors also made it 4-0 over the Energy Boosters this season.

“We’re at second place, but to be honest, I’m not yet thinking of finishing in the top two. We have tough assignments ahead. We’ll take it one game at a time,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.