It looks like the Blackwater Elite’s hard work prior to the 2018 Governors’ Cup is translating to desirable results.
For Allein Maliksi, having the chance to play in the Pacific Caesar Pro Tournament in Indonesia and in the Summer Super 8 tilt in Macau has helped him and the Elite become a much better version of themselves.
In particular, according to the 6-foot-4 gunner, they worked on developing their chemistry during their time abroad. And for Maliksi, that played a huge role in their Governors’ Cup debut versus the TNT KaTropa on Friday night.
The Elite lost hold of a favorable seven-point lead with less than five minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but they did not let up, as they forced the game into overtime and played as one cohesive unit come the extra period for the 104-98 victory.
“Chemistry isa rin na big factor na nanalo kami dito. Before medyo hindi maganda ang decision-making ng bawat isa, so na-develop kahit papaano doon sa dalawang liga na sinalihan namin,” said Maliksi after the match.
“And nag-translate dito sa first game. And sana, ma-continue pa sa mga susunod na games.”
On a personal note, Maliksi had himself a great evening as he led all scorers with 28 points – his season-high and his third career-best, as per the league’s stats chief Fidel Mangonon – along with nine rebounds.
And for the forward out of University of Santo Tomas, he thinks that his outing was also brought about by their stints overseas – this only shows that the games they played abroad are helping them in many ways.
“Siguro product lang ng off-season namin na training and league namin na sinalihan, tapos talagang tinrabaho namin before mag-start this conference,” said the 30-year-old Maliksi, who’s now in his seventh PBA season.
“And talagang binigyan ko ng extra time and effort ‘yung skill and other aspect na pwede ko pang ma-improve sa game ko.”
