Aces struggle past Realtors

Alaska Milk, though obviously feeling its way around with an overhauled lineup, opened its All-Filipino Cup title-retention bid on a good note as it turned back Sta. Lucia Realty, 91-84, at the start of the 2001 PBA season last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Old mainstays Don Allado and Rodney Santos came up with clutch baskets down the stretch as the Aces overcame the early ouster of new starting power forward Ali Peek and a tough stand by the Realtors to the delight of the predominantly Alaska crowd which watched the season’s opening game at the venue.

Peek had a good showing in his first outing in an Alaska jersey but he missed the final nine minutes of the game after being ejected from the court on an elbow foul on Sta. Lucia rookie Francis Adriano.

But Allado picked up from where Peek left off then Santos also rose to the occasion as the Aces won their first game minus old aces Johnny Abarrientos and Poch Juinio.

"Surely, we’re out from where we wanted to be. We’re disorganized at times but we made up with our enthusiasm and fresh legs," said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

Cone had kind words for Sta. Lucia. But indeed, the Realtors showed good promise with a lineup beefed up by MBA acquisitions Francis Adriano, Jercules Tangkay and Felix Belano.