Old import gives Aces first win

MANILA, Philippines - Rosell Ellis provided Alaska Milk an extra push on his return, helping the Aces end a three-game skid and coach Tim Cone achieve a personal milestone in a 94-84 win over the Purefoods Giants last night in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Back for another tour of duty in the local pro league, Ellis marked his return with a solid double-double performance of 26 points and 16 rebounds as the Aces ended a five-game losing skein dating back to the Philippine Cup finals against the Talk n Text Tropang Texters.

As the Aces nailed their first win in four starts in the season-ending reinforced tourney, Cone eventually notched his 602nd career victory, making him the winningest coach in league history, surpassing Baby Dalupan’s record of 601.

“It’s an honor to win so many games but I don’t think I have surpassed coach Baby’s record counting his victories in the MICAA. To me, (I’ve gained those record number of wins) because of longevity and credit also goes to my players and to the team management who let me stay so long. In my mind, Baby Dalupan remains the best coach ever,” said Cone.

“It’s not about how many times you won a game. Coach Baby is a legend who I emulate and look up to,” Cone added.

The veteran mentor, who’s been with Alaska since 1989, gave credit to Ellis and on their resolute defense as they checked their skid and finally barged into the win-column in the tourney – the last team to do so.

“Rosell is fresh from his stint in the Australian league where he led his team (Townsville Crocodiles) to a semifinal finish. He’s very much in shape and he’s the catalyst in tonight’s game,” said Cone of Ellis, their import in winning the same tourney in 2007.

San Miguel Beer, though losing another key player in Jay Washington (back spasm), stayed on a roll, topping Coca-Cola, 106-91, in the second game.

“We’re showing great potential to improve,” said coach Siot Tanquingcen after the Beermen made it four of four in the tourney.