Aces tear Boosters to shreds

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk struggled early on before getting into the groove of things as the Aces clobbered the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 88-64, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Aces shrugged off a poor start and pummeled the Energy Boosters in the final half for a winning start in the franchise’s 25th year of participation in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

Joe De Vance and Cyrus Baguio churned out double-double numbers while LA Tenorio and Sonny Thoss contributed combined stats of 29 points and 14 rebounds to keep the team going coming from their recent Fiesta Cup title run.

Meanwhile, Powerade seeks the early solo lead in the tourney, taking on Barangay Ginebra at 5 p.m. today at the Batangas City Sports Complex – the first stop of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour.

“It was a little frustrating in the beginning. I think we missed our first eight shots and shot no more than 20 percent in the first quarter. We kind of expected it but not that bad,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“By and large, we played real good on both ends in the second half. The first half we played? I hope not to see that anymore in the season,” Cone added.

Curiously, the Aces got going after abandoning their triangle offense, relying on sheer talent to beat the Energy Boosters in the second half.

New acquisition Bonbon Custodio showed his wares, chipping in nine points, three rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes of action.

“Once Bonbon fully figures out our scheme, he’s going to be a dynamic player,” said Cone. “I love the guy because he can back up for LA or Cyrus. He gives us a lot of versatility.”

Custodio, a transferee from Sta. Lucia (Meralco), had a hand in Alaska’s second-half onslaught carrying the team through after a struggle that saw them play catch-up most of the first half.

The Aces didn’t taste the first lead until a 13-2 closing run that gave them a 35-34 edge at the turn.

Barako put up a semblance of a fight early on as it got tremendous lift from Ginebra transferee Sunday Salvacion and rookie Hans Thiele.

Salvacion knocked in three triples and finished with 22 points and five rebounds against two turnovers.

Thiele, the lone undrafted rookie joining the parade on opening day, debuted in the pros with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Elmer Espiritu, the No. 4 pick by Alaska, wasn’t able to play much, drawing a hard foul no sooner after entering the court in the third quarter.