Beau Belga was left disappointed Friday evening as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ entry into the 2018 Philippine Cup playoffs got stalled, no thanks to their 95-99 defeat into the hands of JVee Casio and Alaska Aces.
The Elasto Painters had a clear chance of walking out of the SMART Araneta Coliseum with the W in their hands when they took a 95-94 lead with 1:28 left to play, but their shots afterwards had failed to meet the bottom of the net.
“Sayang,” lamented the 31-year-old big man, who finished with 11 points on eight shots and four rebounds in the loss.
“Meron [sana kaming] tsansa. Sabi ko nga kanina, kahit mag-overtime lang, malay mo, ‘di ba? It’s for Alaska.”
Moreover, Belga believes that their long break before facing the Milkmen affected their rhythm individually and as a whole. Their last match was against Magnolia Hotshots last February 10, where they earned a victory.
“Masyadong mahabang break. Ang player, kapag ka nag-season, gusto [ang laro] halos sunod-sunod – twice a week, once a week. Pero yung two weeks na bakasyon, parang ako nung nakaraan, naiinip ako na ang tagal,” the 10-year veteran shared.
“Tapos last three practices namin, dalawang araw ako hindi naka-ensayo kasi may trangkaso ako. Coming into this game, talagang nilalagnat ako, so sabi ko, kailangan lang laruin, kailangan i-survive ‘tong game na ‘to.”
The loss has not only delayed RoS’ entry into the quarters, as it has also put them in a dangerous spot. If they lose their two straight matches against San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, then that would be the end for them.
“We still have two chances, kaya lang mabigat yung kaharap: San Miguel,” said the two-time champion.
“The only chance namin is San Miguel. Ayaw ko mag-ano sa Ginebra, kasi Ginebra is also looking for a chance to survive.”
They may be facing a tall order next week, but Belga and the Elasto Painters are all up to the challenge, saying that their last two games in this elimination round are already the beginning of the playoffs for them.
“Sabi ni James [Yap] sa’min kanina, good test for us yung San Miguel and Ginebra para sa playoffs. Kumbaga, i-treat na namin yung San Miguel and Ginebra na playoffs na,” expressed the three-time All-Star.
“We need to play hard para pagdating ng playoffs, hindi kami masu-surprise kung ano lalaruin ng kalaban namin – kung makakapasok kami, ‘di ba? Crossed fingers, crossed fingers.”
