MANILA, 20 March 2005 — Alaska finally solved the Wesley Wilson puzzle to beat Shell 88-82 on Friday night and break its winless spell in the Gran Matador-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Astrodome. Wilson still came out with game-high 35 points and 20 rebounds but was clearly thrown off-kilter by the constant double-teaming defense by the Aces. Aside from falling into early foul trouble, he also had seven turnovers.
Shell, bidding for its third win in four games, came charging back from 10 points down to threaten in the stretch, the last off a Wilson follow up that made the count 82-84.
But Don Allado canned two free throws off Wilson’s sixth foul and Reynel Hugnatan translated a Roger Yap miss into a pair of charities that made it a safe 88-82 lead, only 5.1 ticks left. Brandon Cablay was also a big factor for Alaska, which went into the game again minus injured Mike Cortez (back) and Rob Duat (knee). He had 10 points like Cariaso in the fourth quarter, finishing with 18 and six assists.
Leon Derricks had his finest game yet with 15 points and 16 rebounds, but even those may not be enough for him to keep his spot at Alaska.
Cone said they are bent on replacing their import, but first must talk to Derricks either later last night or this morning.
Barangay Ginebra escaped with an 86-83 win over Coca-Cola in overtime as Johnny Abarrientos’ desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer rimmed out later in the night.
Meanwhile, the PBA has shifted its first pocket tournament for the national pool from next week to mid-April.
Iran, Russia and Qatar have not responded to the invitation extended by the PBA, forcing the league to re-set the tournament to April 17-19.
