Wednesday evening, Kevin Alas played his best game in their semifinals series against the Magnolia Hotshots. After shooting just 4-of-15 from the field in the NLEX Road Warriors’ first two games, the 6-foot combo guard went an efficient at a high 7-of-11 clip for 15 points — his best game in the series.
However, it all went for naught, as NLEX fell to Magnolia, 99-106 and a 1-2 series deficit.
And the fifth-year pro took it hard, as according to him, he allowed this to happen.
Jio Jalalon, his Gilas teammate, had provided the spark for the Hotshots, scoring eight of his 25 points in the opening frame. Manning him was Alas himself.
“Siguro, I have to take responsibility kasi si Jio started very hot at ako yung tao niya,” rued the second generation cager.
“I have to take responsibility for that. It’s a matter of the small details and yun yung nag-dictate ng game — napabayaan si Jio.”
Jalalon’s strong start gave him confidence all throughout the game. The 5-foot-9 floor general shot lights out, going 10-of-13 from the field, 4-of-5 from downtown.
Going into the series, Alas knew that Magnolia’s biggest weapon was their plethora of guards. Moreover, he is already familiar with how Jalalon plays, as they have campaigned for Gilas together numerous times.
“Nakasama na namin yan sa Gilas e. We know his tendencies,” Alas pointed out. “Ganda ng laro niya. Props to him.
“We just have to prepare for him for the next game.”
The Road Warriors are currently a young team that have more to gain from going through situations like this. That is why the 25-year-old is charging this one to experience, hoping that they can bounce back on Friday for Game Four.
“It’s a good learning lesson for us. As a group, ito yung first time namin makarating dito,” Alas expressed.
“Hindi naman sa sinasabi ko na okay yung nangyari but maybe it happens for a reason.”
