Missing link: Aces need productivity from 2 spot

Lost in new offense? Aces' need Baguio to contribute

Following yesterday's high scoring 121-111 victory over the Powerade Tigers, the Alaska Aces were able to keep their hopes alive as the eliminations of the Philippine Cup nears its end.

With superb performances from captain Tony de la Cruz (23 points), L.A. Tenorio (23) and Mac Baracael (22) the Aces were able to handily subdue the relentless Tigers which showed glimpse's of its future behind Jayvee Casio (26 points, 11 assists) and Marcio Lassiter (25 points).

Still, the Aces are still seeded at the bottom of the standings with a dismal 2-7 win-loss record. Of the seven losses, five were decided by only a disparity of 8 points or less which should be taken positively by the team.

The team has recently shown a far more concerted effort in feeding its twin towers Sonny Thoss and JayR Reyes in the paint which ultimately deters its running and perimeter game. Not that it's a bad thing, but guards are either being relegated to kick-out options or are scoring by calling for isolations-- give it a conference (or two) and things will probably become more fluid as roles are defined.

That being said, the bulk of the offense has been coming from Tenorio, Thoss and Reyes with little to no contribution from a position that is traditionally where offense is expected thus its name-- shooting guard.

Cyrus Baguio, the starting SG for the Aces, is averaging a so-so 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists to go with 2.5 turnovers per game. His chief reliever, Bonbon Custodio, offers a paltry 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist stat line which is an obvious farcry from what is to be expected from both explosive guards.

Granted, the triangle doesn't allow much superstar numbers from certain players but if the Aces are looking to build behind coach Banal's new system for next conference, Baguio and Custodio need to step up, be ready to knock down shots and play hard on both ends of the floor (Baguio, to his credit, grabbed 11 rebounds in the recent loss to B-Meg). That, or sit in favor of still untested guys such as Eric Salamat (who is starting to crack Banal's rotation) and the mysterious Julius Pasculado.