Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
Photo by PBA Images

Basketball

Alas hopes win over Ginebra proved that NLEX can compete with elite


Kevin Alas hasn’t forgotten about the disappointing campaign he and NLEX had in the PBA Philippine Cup bubble last year in Clark, Pampanga. 

The Road Warriors absorbed a string of losses early in the conference but were able to collect the needed wins to vie for the last quarterfinal spot.

Their fate wasn’t entirely in their hands, though. And their prayers went unanswered as the scenario they hoped for did not happen.

The MVP Group-owned ball club needed Rain or Shine to lose versus TNT and Phoenix, then win versus Terrafirma to force a playoff for no. 8. However, the Elasto Painters shut it down by beating the Tropang Giga.

Alas, who was among the team’s top performers in Clark, isn’t one to dwell on the past. But that’s definitely an added push for the new cage wars.

“Ang iniisip ko ‘yung last conference na hindi kami pumasok ng playoffs,” said the 29-year-old, who’s now in his eighth season in the pros.

“Of course, that’s added motivation for us, na we have to improve from that.”

Learning from bitter lessons such as that was evident on Sunday. The Road Warriors suffered an opening day loss to the same team that crushed their hopes last year. But they then redeemed themselves versus none other than the reigning champs.

NLEX beat the debuting Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 94-75, to join the winner’s circle of the 2021 Philippine Cup.

Alas himself was at the forefront of the victory with a game-high 20 points, spiked by three triples. He also had three assists, two rebounds, a steal, and a block in 33 minutes and 33 seconds.

#ReadMore  Kevin Alas, Jericho Cruz looking at silver lining of Poy Erram trade

“Of course, happy,” expressed the 6-foot guard.

“Masayang-masaya kami, kasi defending champions ‘yung tinalo namin.”

As elated as they feel with the triumph, Alas and Co. already have their sights set for Friday’s game versus erstwhile all-Filipino champs San Miguel Beer.

“‘Yung approach namin is game by game. Next game namin is San Miguel, so another powerhouse team. I’m sure our coaches will prepare for a good game plan to limit June Mar [Fajardo], to limit CJ [Perez], to limit [Marcio] Lassiter, [Alex] Cabagnot,” he said.

“Of course, it won’t be easy. But ang goal namin is to compete with the elite teams. Kanina we competed with Ginebra, then next is San Miguel.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

NLEX dealt Blackwater its first loss, 103-97, to further its own streak in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Wednesday at the Philsports Arena...

Basketball

When fully unleashed, Robert Bolick is a certified gunner capable of dominating while delivering solid numbers in rebounding and assists. This prowess was on...

Basketball

Robert Bolick reset his career-high in scoring to power NLEX past the luckless Converge, 112-93, for back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 48 Philippine...

Basketball

The NLEX Road Warriors recently introduced their “Dayo” program, initiating its maiden leg in the picturesque town of Burgos, Ilocos Sur last month. Translated...

Basketball

Terrafirma outlasted NLEX, 99-95, for a 2-0 start in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Free throws by...

Basketball

After dropping a 30-piece against his former team as NLEX took down NorthPort for a victorious start to their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup...

Basketball

NLEX outlasted NorthPort in overtime, 107-100, in a pulsating PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup debut on Friday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Robert...

Basketball

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser is heading to TNT. In a trade approved by the PBA Office on Monday, the 6-foot-6 big man will join his brother...

Advertisement