The Blackwater Elite were able to chalk up another win on Friday night. And just like their victory against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last December 29, it was yet another triumph for the history books.
The Elite, after four years in the PBA, finally got one over crowd darlings and title favorites Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Cup, 94-77, thanks to their showcase of speed and wits on both ends of the floor.
Everyone from the Blackwater side was elated with the achievement, and it was evident with the way they were screaming on top of their lungs as they made their way into the dugout of the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Siyempre masaya,” shared gunslinger Allein Maliksi, who made his presence felt in the win with a conference-high 17 markers.
“Nakaipon kami ng magandang standing sa start ng 2018. Kailangan na lang namin ituloy-tuloy.”
But for the 30-year-old shooting guard, Friday’s triumph means more for the franchise’s history. It boosted the team’s confidence that they can match up with the league’s powerhouses.
“It boosts our morale na kaya namin maglaro,” he said.
“Kailangan na lang namin maging consistent every time.”
As for himself, Maliksi had his best game of the cup so far after averaging 13 markers in the last two games. But the highlight of his games is the way he has been passing the ball, as he is now norming three dimes per contest.
“Ako kasi hindi na ‘ko yung naghahanap ng opensa or ng tira. Kumbaga, hinahayaan ko lang dumating sa’kin,” said the 6-foot-3 Maliksi. “And nagli-lead ako as an example to them, kasi parang lahat ang mindset is gusto umiscore.
“So ako, kung kailangan ko umiscore, iiscore ako. Pero more on pag nakakita ako na kailangan ko pumasa, papasa ko, eextra pass ako.
“So yun yung sineset kong example para madala ng bawat players, lalo ng mga bata,” he added.
It’s clear that Maliksi is embracing his role as one of the Elite’s leaders. And after the bout, he only had a few words for his mates. “Sabi ko after nung huddle namin, remember how we won this game, how we played this game.
“Kasi yun yung kailangan namin dalhin sa mga susunod na games para malagpasan namin yung mga previous conferences na naexperience namin.”
