For 112 days, the Alaska Aces have yet to taste victory. But during that 10-game stretch, the losses are not as wide as one would think, losing by just an average margin of 6.1 points per game.
Compared to the Aces’ opening day loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Wednesday, Calvin Abueva and the rest of Alaska suffered a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, Saturday night.
“Akala ko mananalo na eh,” lamented Abueva.
“Kung hindi lang tumira yung RJ Jazul, pamatay sunog eh.”
Against Phoenix, Alaska fought back nine points down with 3:36 left, going on a 10-0 rally capped by a huge swat by Nonoy Baclao on JC Intal that led to a jumper for the former to give the Aces an 89-88 lead with 1:11 end.
JC Intal was able to score on a reverse layup afterwards to give the edge back to Phoenix but LaDontae Henton was able to clean up a Calvin Abueva miss with 43 ticks remaining.
With no hesitation on the other end, RJ Jazul knocked down a triple to give Phoenix a 93-91 lead. Chris Banchero was able to answer back, tipping in a LaDontae Henton miss with 21 seconds left.
Then, came Eugene Phelps’ dagger that extended Alaska’s franchise-worst skid.
But even if the wins have been hard to grasp, Abueva, who finished the game with eight points, seven rebounds, and five assists, remains defiant.
“Hindi naman (discouraged). Makakabawi pa naman kami,” the five-year pro declared.
And the 29-year old gave a stern warning to Phoenix when if ever he meets them in the playoffs.
“Pag playoffs, makakabawi kami sa Phoenix!”
