Alaska Aces out to break ice versus BMEG Llamados

MANILA—As the only high-profile club left without a win to show after two weeks of the PBA Governors’ Cup, Alaska and its coach Tim Cone could be in panic mode at this stage of this very short tournament.

But it’s not.

“Patience is a virtue,” Cone told the Inquirer over the phone yesterday when asked what is bugging his Aces.

Alaska is at 0-2 and languishing at the bottom of the nine-team field.

“Two (lost) games don’t panic us,” Code added. “Like what I have been saying before, the last time we started 0-2 was when we had Diamon (Simpson). And look where that got us.”

The Aces and Simpson went all the way to last year’s championship, that’s why Cone can talk with a sense of confidence.

Jason Forte, their import this year, may not be as prolific as Simpson but Cone still feels that he has the right man for the job.

“We like our import,” Cone said on the eve of the Aces’ clash with the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados at 7:15 p.m. today at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“I think he’s playing really well. Not in his first game, though. But he continues to improve.”

Air21 and Powerade, the last two teams yet to taste victory, tangle in the 5 p.m. contest.

The Aces lost their debut against Talk ‘N Text by 26 points in a battle between the last team to achieve a Grand Slam and the one seeking it this year. They fell again to undermanned Meralco last week, 78-81.

Forte is averaging 19 points and 15 rebounds a night, and for Cone, those numbers are enough for the moment as some of his locals are still “trying to fit into the (Triangle Offense) system” which the team is known for.

Against the Llamados, the Aces will be up against reigning MVP James Yap and Peter June Simon, the high-scoring duo who have taken much of the load as import Stephon Hannah manages just eight points a contest.

Every win in the elimination round is vital since each team gets to play just eight games. Only the top six teams will advance to the playoffs.

There has been no news from the Office of the Commissioner on whether the Llamados will be bringing in a new reinforcement.

It is apparent, though, that the Derby Ace coaching staff has decided to stick it out with Hannah, at least for their game against the Aces.

Cyrus Baguio is norming 20 points a contest for the Aces, who are still trying to fit Jay-R Reyes into the role that Joe Devance used to play. LA Tenorio will again start at the point guard spot for Cone.

Simon erupted for 33 points against Powerade last week, 29 of them coming in the middle two quarters, as he ably filled in for Yap, who went silent after the first period.