Alaska picked vs Derby Ace; Air21 takes on Rain or Shine

MANILA—Alaska takes a crack at undermanned defending champion Derby Ace Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay looking to grab a share of the early PBA Philippine Cup lead.   The Aces will come into the 7:30 p.m. match the heavy favorites with the Llamados missing big men Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis because of injuries.   Air21 and Rain or Shine collide earlier at 5 p.m. with both squads looking for a first win.   Derby Ace swept the Aces in the finals of this tournament last season.   The Llamados are still smarting from a 76-87 defeat to Talk ‘N Text Wednesday.   Alaska, on the other hand, is not showing any signs of championship hangover following their six-game demolition of San Miguel Beer in the Fiesta Conference Finals last season.   There was only minor rust to shake off for the Aces, though, as they totally dismantled Barako Bull last Friday, 88-64.   “It was a little frustrating in the beginning,” Alaska coach Tim Cone said after the Barako Bull game. “I think we missed our first eight shots and shot no more than 20 percent. We kind of expected it, but not that bad.”   The Aces actually fell behind by as many as 11, 20-31, with 4:25 left in the second period before waking up. They did so when Cone ordered his wards to abandon the triangle offense that has been the trademark of the Alaska game.   “These guys are so talented that I can’t ask them to play like robots,” Cone said. “But that first half, I hope I don’t ever see that again.”   LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio have emerged as this Alaska squad’s heart and soul with Joe Devance, Sonny Thoss and a host of others playing support.   In the first game, Rabeh Al-Hussaini will again be under the microscope as the season’s second overall Draft choice tries to lead the Express back from a thorough drubbing absorbed at the hands of San Miguel also Friday. Photo by Mark Giongco