Finally getting the needed production from their locals, the Alaska Aces bounced back from an opening-day loss with a hard-earned 109-102 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last night in the 37th PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Cyrus Baguio erupted for a team-high 25 points while LA Tenorio scattered 19 markers as the Aces barged into the win column after starting the tournament with a blowout 78-98 loss to the Barako Bull Energy.
Alaska’s towering import Adam Parada had an awesome game, collecting 24 points, 18 rebounds and four blocked shots.
Baguio and Tenorio combined for just 21 points in the Aces’ loss to the Energy but came up big against the Painters, especially in the fourth period where they connived for 18 markers.
The Aces were in control for most part of the game until import Duke Crews sparked a major rally for the Painters in the final period.
Crews scored six points in a blistering a 12-2 run that allowed the Painters to tie the score at 97 in the final 4:57.
Tenorio gave the lead back to the Aces with a three-pointer but Crews scored four straight points as Rain or Shine found itself in the lead again, 97-96, since taking a 2-0 lead in the first period.
Baguio delivered a needed basket for the Aces, dropping a big three-pointer as Alaska regained the lead, 99-97. Tenorio came up with his own crucial basket, a long two-pointer that increased Alaska’s lead to 101-97 with only 2:25 to go.