Aaron Black appreciated the kind words of Tim Cone following a career-high outing in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, Friday.
The Meralco sophomore earned plaudits from the Ginebra head coach after firing 24 points, saying that he’s been playing at an ‘All-Star level.’
But he would rather take the win than bask in any of that since it could have put his side ahead 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
“I would take the win any time of the day over any kind of stats,” he said after their 99-93 loss at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“If I had 50 points, I’d take the win over that. It is different being up 2-0 than being tied. We’re back to square one again.
“Coach Tim has been in the league for so long, so I definitely appreciate that from him. Once again, I’d rather have the win,” he furthered.
Black put on a performance that saw him almost single-handedly carry the Bolts back into the game, especially in the third. There, he made 15 of his points.
The second-generation cager was also responsible for towing his side within just two, 86-84, with over seven minutes left in the game.
“We came back to Meralco basketball,” he offered about that comeback. “I think in the first half, we did not defend as well. I think we gave up 40 points in the second quarter after giving up only 20 in the first quarter.
“We were able to defend better in the second half. We gave better energy. And that has to be for the whole, for everybody on the team,” he added.
“We have to come out and help each other defensively and offensively.”
Unfortunately, his efforts weren’t enough to save Meralco. Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings went on to reduce the title bout to a best-of-five.
Black, though, didn’t hide that his showing is a confidence-booster for Sunday’s Game Three. But the focus, really, is on regaining the series lead.
“Of course, confidence-wise, it helps me a lot. [But] we lost. So it is back to the drawing board, not just for me but for everybody,” he said.
“I think if we can come out better next game in the first half, it would give us a better chance to hopefully go up 2-1.”
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