Cone gets First Win in “Battle of Triangles”

Manila, Philippines – Tim Cone officially got his first win as B-Meg coach and outside the Alaska franchise after the Derby Llamados hacked out an 81-75 win over the Alaska Aces in today’s PBA game at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Josh Urbiztondo caught fire and was instrumental in the fourth, hitting crucial three-pointers that proved to be critical whenever the Aces came close. The “Fireball” finished with 12 points, all from the three point territory.

“Josh came out with a lot of intensity in the second quarter, I thought he was responsible for bringing us back in the basketball game and he hit some big threes in the forth. Then Kerby took over on that big play, driving against Sonny (Thoss) in the stretch” said winning coach Tim Cone.

“Ill be the first to say that I take no delight in beating Alaska. I know that Joel is in a lot of pressure just like I am. I’m just happy to see them play well tonight, we played well tonight. I think both teams will continue to play well and even better in the future” he added.

James Yap led the Llamados with 20 points while, Kerby Raymundo, PJ Simon and Joe DeVance had 12, 11 and 10 points respectively.

Sonny Thoss led the Aces with 18 points while Jay-R Reyes had 15.

“It’s really bitter sweet seeing LA, Sonny, Tony, Cyrus and all those other guys at the other side of the court .”

In the first game, Meralco played without Solomon Mercado and Mac Cardona (reportedly out for 6 weeks) but nevertheless pulled out a 79-72 win over the Shopinas.com Clickers to nail their first win.

Gabby Espinas led the Bolts with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. He was backed up by Mark Macapagal and Mark Isip with 14 and 11 points respectively.

Paolo Hubalde, playing in his first game, led the Clickers with a smooth 21 points. No other Clicker finished the game in double figures.

The Scores:

First Game:
Meralco (79) – Espinas 16, Macapagal 14, Isip 11, Yee 10, Lanete 8, Taulava 7, Borboran 6, Timberlake 5, Omolon 2, Ballesteros 0.

Shopinas (72) – Hubalde 21, Menor 9, Sena 7, Duncil 7, Ritualo 7, Mirza 6, Se 6, Hermida 4, Sison 2, Jazul 2, Canlas 1, Espiritu 0.

Quarterscores: 9-11, 32-31, 58-52, 79-72

Second Game
B-Meg (81) - Yap J.20, Urbiztondo 12, Raymundo 12, Simon 11, De Vance 10, Reavis 8, Pingris 6, Ferriols 2, Barroca 0, Acuna 0, Maierhofer 0, Yap R. 0.

Alaska (75) – Thoss 18, Reyes 15, Tenorio 11, Baguio 10, Dela Cruz 9, Baracael 4, Custodio 4, Eman 3, Bugia 1, Cablay 0.

Quarterscores: 9-21, 35-37, 61-56, 81-75