Red-hot Aces clobber Elite

CYRUS Baguio (No. 3) of Alaska tries to control the leather against Blackwater’s Bambam Gamalinda and Eddie Laure. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

ALASKA held Blackwater to nine points in the first period and to 20 at the half to cruise to a 69-56 victory last night that extended the Aces’ PBA Philippine Cup streak to six games at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Save for the first minute where they trailed, the Aces kept their foot on the pedal and never gave the Elite a chance as they sealed their finest start in the post-Tim Cone era while keeping Blackwater winless in six games.

“It’s a good start,” Alaska coach Alex Compton said. “But for me, it’s important that we finish strong.”

Calvin Abueva sustained his relentless effort, shooting 13 points that went with 18 rebounds while former MVP Eric Menk flashed vintage form with 14 points and 12 boards.

The duo’s effort more than made up for the absence of starting center Sonny Thoss, who was out for the second straight game because of plantar fasciitis on his right heel.

Compton knows that because of their winning streak everyone will keep gunning at them.

“All the teams know how we play. What we’re doing is no secret,” said Compton, who rued a 33-percent shooting clip from the field but praised his wards for coming out hard.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine shoots for a third straight win when the Elasto Painters battle Meralco in a Petron Saturday Special game at 5 p.m. today at University of Southeast Philippines in Davao City.

The Painters are at 4-2, while the Bolts, at 3-2, are reeling from two straight losses.

The veteran Larry Rodriguez paced the Elite with 10 points.

The scores:

First Game

ALASKA 69—Menk 14, Abueva 13, Manuel 10, Banchero 6, Baguio 6, Hontiveros 6, Casio 4, Eximiano 3, Jazul 3, Bugia 2, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0, Dela Rosa 0.

BLACKWATER 56—Rodriguez 10, Erram 9, Menor 9, Gamalinda 5, Salvacion 5, Artadi 4, Timberlake 3, Tiongson 3, Faundo 2, Nuyles 2, Ballesteros 2, Laure 2, Celis 0, Cawaling 0.

Quarters: 15-9; 32-20; 46-38; 69-56