Alaska Milk shook off a shaky first half and bamboozled Columbian Dyip in the third quarter en route to a 111-98 win on opening day of the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Sunday.
Trailing by eight early in the second half, the Aces shifted to higher gear and pounded the Dyip badly in the third, 34-13, to set the tone for their 13-point triumph.
The Aces came through with a 16-to-nothing roll to highlight their third-quarter rampage that pushed Alaska 82-67 up going to the payoff period.
The tone was set. And there's no stopping the Aces in pulling off a triumphant start in the conference after a poor 4-7 (win-loss) showing in the just concluded Philippine Cup.
"It's always good to start off with the first win. The game is really important for us," said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
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Alaska import Chris Daniels debuted in the local pro league with 25 points and 16 rebounds, Chris Banchero came up with 20 markers while Simon Enciso contributed 19, including 5-of-9 three-pointers.
Carl Bryan Cruz chipped in 14 for the Aces who trailed majority of the first half before turning the game around in the third period.
The Dyip set the pace early on a solid start anchored on Kyle Barone and CJ Perez.
Barone piled up game highs of 31 points and 22 rebounds while Perez delivered 19 markers that went with six rebounds and one assist against four turnovers.
Rashawn McCarthy and JP Calvo were two other players who scored in double figures for the Dyip who started strong but couldn't keep up as the Aces finally hit their stride.
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The Aces led by as many as 20 before wrapping up the win. (SB)
