Unlike during the aftermath of Game 5 where Alex Compton pointed out the huge discrepancy when it comes to certain numbers, the Alaska head coach admitted in Game 6 his team was thoroughly outplayed.
“We got beaten fair and square,” Compton said after San Miguel continued its comeback run with a 100-89 Game 6 win.
“Great fourth quarter by San Miguel. Obviously, I think it is safe to say June Mar (Fajardo) is a factor. I think Marcio (Lassiter) is awesome today. I’ve been on the same team with Marcio in Powerade. I’ve seen him be awesome for us and it is unbelievable.”
The Aces did have a better start in the game, even leading by 13 points in the second quarter, 35-22. However, the Aces failed to close out again.
“I thought we did a better job in the first half and I felt like we were playing like Alaska again,” Compton shared.
“(But) we turned the ball over some, and they got going offensively in the first half of the fourth. That is a factor.”
San Miguel poured 33 points in the fourth quarter, and led by as much as 15 at the 83-68 mark. Lassiter dropped 17 of his 26 points in the fourth frame, while Fajardo added 8 of his 16 points in the same period.
The two were able to outscore Alaska, 25-23 in the last quarter. The Aces also shot only 4-for-22 from three-point area and had 8 less assists than the Beermen,.
“We missed some shots. We turned the ball over 20 times. That is a problem. We missed our outside shots. We came in the finals leading the league in three-point percentage. You credit the defense for some, some were open shots we just missed,” Compton added.
“They clearly deserved to win. Now I think the pressure is really on them to step up in Game 7.”
Now headed for a winner-take-all Game 7, Compton is expecting another exciting affair for both sides.
“I think we are going to have some fun sa Game 7. That’s just me. At least, hindi rin lugi sa PBA fans.”
