Alaska Aces rout Ginebra in Game 1

MANILA - .Alaska displayed enough firepower to crush Ginebra, 104-79, and gained a headstart, 1-0, in the best-of-seven semifinal round of the 35th PBA-KFC Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The top seeded Aces, who finished the elimination with a 13-5 slate, took advantage of the Kings’ low energy due to fatigue with their run-and-gun rampage en route to the lopsided victory.

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It was also their second win over the Kings in the conference.

“It’s a good start definitely; it’s something that can give us the momentum in this long series. We hope it will happen this way again but we don’t expect it that way next time,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

Cone said he was satisfied with the way they played but cautioned his players to be smarter in the next game, saying the Kings are capable of making a strong comeback just like what they did in the quarterfinal round.

The Kings erased a 2-0 deficit to dethrone Talk ‘N Text in the quarterfinals.

“We were sharp, but did not know what to expect. We are just 1-0 and that is just all. We shoot well, we have fresh legs. We have to build momentum by making a strong follow-up on Friday. And try to see where we go from there,” said Cone, who lost to the Tropang Texters, 4-3, in the finals last year.

The Aces built a 12-point advantage, 29-17 going to the second period and ended the first half safely ahead, 55-35, behind Joe Devance, Sonny Thoss and LA Tenorio’s steady outside shooting.

“We really prepared hard for this battle. This team is the best team I have ever coached. I felt good after the break,” said Cone.