After the Alaska Aces garnered two straight wins, Calvin Abueva was still not sold if his team has finally regained their old form. But on Sunday night, the 28-year-old wingman is starting to change his perspective towards his squad.
“Nabubuo na kami, nakukuha na namin yung momentum namin,” said Abueva, moments after the Milkmen’s third win at the expense of the Kia Picanto, 102-94, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, where he had 26 points and 15 rebounds.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy.”
The Picanto actually gave the Aces a rough time right from the get-go — they were even at the brink of ending their eight-game skid and scoring a huge upset. But, then again, Alaska’s guts in the end-game made wonders.
And that composure down the stretch is what will make anyone believe that the Aces of old are back, for that has been the identity they have established in the last few years — the identity they lost during that 14-game skid.
“Siyempre na-rattle tayo. Kailangan namin ng panalo eh. 2-6 kami (before the game), sila wala pa silang panalo,” reflected five-year pro of Kia’s challenge.
“Mahirap na, baka masilat pa kami sa game na ito.”
With the team on the roll, Alaska has revived their once-flatlining playoff hopes. And for the outspoken Abueva, what pushes him and his mates to play harder is the fact that they aim to have their expiring contracts be extended.
“Karamihan sa amin expiring [ang contract]. So once pumasok kami ng playoffs, madadagdagan pa yung iba sa sweldo namin, mae-extend kami ‘pag pumasok kami ng playoffs,” said Abueva.
“Lahat kami nagpapakamatay para pagbutihan yung game na to.”
