Quick thoughts on today's PBA games

Alaska Aces def. Powerade Tigers, 106-82

In what may be a sign of things to come for both teams, the Aces flat out whooped the hapless Tigers' in today's first game. Cyrus Baguio led the charge with 24 points while flashy import (very un-Alaska-like) LD Williams contributed 21 and a couple of one-handed alley-oop jams. The Tigers were led in scoring by import Russel Carter who scored 34 on 10-29 shooting (read: unacceptable) while still running the simplest play an unimaginative coach could run: isolation for their top scorers.

Gary David chipped in 17 points, but you have to feel sorry for the guy and wish that he gets traded to one of the MVP or SMC teams just so people could recognize and realize how good a scorer he is.

What's wrong with the Tigers you ask? Old legs and so-so coaching. This team could only hope that Rob Reyes' learning curve speeds up OR Dennis Espino finds the fountain of youth. Don't expect this team to be in the playoff hunt anytime soon.

Yes, I know it's early, but unless they trade for a superstar or get a super-duper import, then you can take what I said to the bank.

As for the Aces, the youth, athleticism and talent are definitely there, it's just a matter of getting it all together and coming through. This is where a strong veteran presence, or someone with a solid disposition could help in lifting a team's attitude. Too bad Jeffrey Cariaso's gone, and winner Larry Fonacier's moved on to Talk N Text.

Rain or Shine Elastopainters def. B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados, 95-94

I wasn't able to see the stat sheets, but I'd give props to the imports for both teams- Hassan Adams for RoS and this big guy named Brown for BMeg.

Adams showed the crowd why he made it into the NBA with an all around game (although he has a problem going strong to the right, and lost his legs late in the fourth) while Brown was just a workhorse in the paint and had a knack for getting to the line.

When Adams wasn't doing his thing, Ryan Arana carried the load for RoS which further supports my previous claim that while Sol Mercado is flashy and a joy to watch, Arana is a better all around basketball player. The crisp cuts, baseline spins, long textbook jumpers, defense and solid reverse passes-- Arana pretty much kept the Llamados at bay despite teammate Gabe Norwood doing everything in his power to lose the match (turnovers, airballs, fouls, etc.)

It was also quite surprising how effective Beau Belga seems to be in RoS head coach Yeng Guiao's system-- patrolling the paint like the beefy bruiser that he is. Which makes Meralco fans scratch their heads as to why Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio opted to bench Belga last conference.

I also enjoyed watching this version of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters-- which could be easily christened as a hybrid of Guiao's Barako Bulls and Air 21 squads. Him having blue-collar guys like Arana, Belga, Larry Rodriguez, Jon Ferriols and Jeff Chan also gives off that "old school, Pinoy basketbol" feeling.

And while the ending was rather shitty/ controversial, I'd go out and say that RoS deserved to win since they played like a team while BMeg was going one-on-one at every play.