Producing another brilliant all-around performance, Ellis led the Aces to their fourth win in five games with a 106-100 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers in the Talk ‘N Text-PBA Fiesta Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Showing he can thrive with coach Tim Cone’s vaunted ‘triangle offense’, the former McNeese State University stalwart Ellis finished in double-double figures, knocking in 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

He also had seven assists and four steals as the Aces forged a three-way tie for second to third places with idle and defending champion Red Bull and Barangay Ginebra at 4-1. Air21 is showing the way in the 10-team field with a 4-0 slate.

For the fifth straight time dating back their finals showdown in the Philippine Cup last month, the Gin Kings beat sister team, San Miguel Beermen, 102-84.

Rod Nealy exploded for 43 points to power the Gin Kings to their fourth straight win and handed the Beermen their fifth straight defeat.

Nealy, who came into the game averaging 28.5 points, scattered 17 points in the third period where the Gin Kings outscored the Beermen, 33-14, that turned a 49-48 halftime deficit to 81-63 lead entering the final period.

"The players are stepping up their game. We became stagnant for a while, but we’re able to recover. We have to work on these. But it’s good that while we’re working on these things, we’re winning," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

Paul McMillan paced the Beermen with 41 points but the absence of national team members Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Seigle and the injured Danny Ildefonso is clearly hurting the team.

With their second straight setback, the Tigers slipped to 3-3.

Cone said Ellis was only the team’s replacement for the talented Galen Young three years back. Young led the Aces to a 5-1 start but had to leave the team in the hope of playing in the NBA.

The American coach, who wore black in respect to the passing away of former Commissioner Jun Bernardino Saturday morning, was glad Ellis is doing everything to match that start.

"I hope we can match that start, or possibly surpass it. Ellis has given us an impact game," said Cone.

Alaska dictated the tempo as it led by 17 points, 67-50, on a jumper by Sonny Thoss with 2:06 left in the third quarter.

But Coca-Cola worked its way to trim Alaska’s lead to 88-93 in the fourth frame when Leo Avenido nailed his third straight three-pointer.

The Tigers even moved within 90-94 after Ali Peek split his charities with 3:21 to go.

That proved to be their last hurrah as Willie Miller clustered five straight points – a triple and two fouls shots – while Jeffrey Cariaso calmly sank his two free throws for a 10190 advantage, 1:43 remaining.

Miller led the Aces with 19 points, while Cariaso contributed 15 markers. Thoss and back-up playmaker Rensy Bajar added 11 each.

Import Anthony Johnson led Coca-Cola with a game-high 32 points.

Meantime, import J.J. Sullinger scattered 20 points with 15 rebounds to power Talk ‘N Text to a 100-78 win over newcomer Welcoat Saturday night at the Araullo Gym in Cabanatuan City.

Five locals also finished in double-digit with Mark Cardona contributing 13 points, while Anthony Washington chipped in 12, Egay Billones 11, and Don Allado and Felix Belano adding 10 apiece.

The Phone Pals improved to 2-2, while the Dragons suffered their third straight defeat as they fell to 1-4 in tie with Purefoods TJ Hotdogs.

The scores:

Alaska 106 — Miller 19, Ellis 18, Cariaso 15, Thoss 11, Bajar 11, Hugnatan 8, Ferriols 8, Juinio 6, Laure 4, Aban 0, Singson 0.

Coca-Cola 100 — Johnson 32, Peek 19, Avenido 18, Antonio 16, Miranda 7, Tolomia 4, Pacana 2, Arigo 2, Franco 0, Misolas 0.

Quarters: 20-20, 51-39, 76-62, 106-100.

Ginebra 102 — Nealy 43, Hatfield 22, Tubid 14, Abarrientos 10, Macapagal 5, Echavez 2, Salvacion 2, Santos 2, Holper 0.

San Miguel 84 — McMillan 41, Calaguio 11, Gonzales 7, Cablay 7, Espinas 6, Tenorio 5, Racela 5, Pena 2, Adducul 0, Adriano 0.

Quarters: 34-15, 48-49, 81-63, 102-84.