Aces whip Barako Bulls for first win in 6 games

Has the Alaska Aces finally regained their old, fearsome form?

This question cropped up last night following the Aces’ masterful, 93-72 conquest of the formidable Barako Bull Energy to break into the win column of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Despite tallying just their first win in six games which is their worst start in 10 years, the Aces’ performance last night raised fears that they have returned to the form that netted them 13 championship crowns including a rare grand slam.

What made the Aces’ victory even more compelling is that they did it against a team which is on a four-game victory streak.

The 21-point rout halted Barako Bull’s four-game run and denied them of earning a share of the lead.

“It’s just controlling our offense and staying aggressive on defense. Hopefully, we’ll have more games like this,” said Alaska coach Joel Banal, who finally tasted a win since taking over as the team’s head coach.

Center Sonny Thoss flexed his muscle in the paint and wound up with a career-high 27 points.

“Sonny was so brilliant on the floor. He knew what to do. He was rolling in the paint when he had the lane and was popping when he was open,” said Banal of his prized 6-foot-7 center.

In their five losses, the second half proved to be the Aces’ waterloo. It was a different story against the Energy.

Alaska went into the final half down by four, 36-40, but got their game going in the third to take a 61-54 lead, entering the final period.

Alaska posted its first double-digit lead, 65-54, in the 10:53 mark of the fourth and the game was never close after that.

Rookie Mac Baracael scored 16 points, L.A. Tenorio netted 15 and Baguio added 10 for the Aces, who will next play the Petron Blaze Boosters on Saturday at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

Dylan Ababou had 19 markers for the Energy, who slipped to 4-2 (win-loss).

BOX SCORES
ALASKA (93)- Thoss 27, Baracael 16, Tenorio 15, Baguio 10, Dela Cruz 9, Reyes 8, Cablay 8, Custodio 0, Eman 0.
BARAKO (72)- Ababou 19, Allado 11, Salvacion 10, Seigle 9, Artadi 6, Miller 5, Salvador 4, Pena 4, Pennisi 2, Arboleda 2, Sorongon 0, Avenido 0. QUARTERSCORES: 18-17, 36-40, 61-54, 93-72.