MANILA, Philippines – Cyrus Baguio and the Alaska Aces got off to a strong start in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, holding on in the end game to defeat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 109-102, Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Baguio had a team-high 25 points along with 7 assists, while Mexican import Adam Parada had 24 points and 20 rebounds.

"It's good to get a win early in the conference," Alaska head coach Joel Banal said in a PBA.ph interview.

Alaska led by as much as 15-points before the Elasto Painters came all the way back to lead at 97-96. But Baguio and backcourt teammate LA Tenorio came up big in the clutch to lead the Aces to victory.

Rain or Shine's import Duke Crews led all scorers with 34 points along with 11 rebounds, while Jeff Chan had 18 and Paul Lee added 11 points.

Baguio said he is more comfortable now that Alaska is implementing a run-and-gun offense.

"Sa triangle kasi, half-court, 'di maka-buwelo. Ngayon medyo mas kampante," Baguio said.

Banal clarified that the team will not be totally abandoning the triangle offense. It will instead be "put on the shelf."

"We wanted to try something new, keep it simple. When we're good at it, we can bring back the triangle," he added.

The Aces finished with a 3-11 record in the Philippine Cup but are determined to make it back to the playoffs in this conference.

Meanwhile, the Elasto Painters hope to get back on track when head coach Yeng Guiao returns to the country Monday.

The scores:

ALASKA 109 - Baguio 25, Parada 24, Tenorio 19, Custodio 12, Thoss 8, Salamat 7, Eman 6, Baracael 4, Reyes 4.

RAIN OR SHINE 102 - Crews 34, Chan 18, Lee 11, Cruz 8, Arana 8, Norwood 6, Belga 6, Quinahan 4, Buenafe 3, Jaime 2, Ibanes 2, Matias 0.

Quarterscores: 28-20, 55-49, 85-74, 109-102