In Columbian’s last two defeats in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, it lost both games by six points.
Coincidentally, the number of free throws Khapri Alston missed in each of those games was six.
The burly import made five of his 11 freebies in the Dyip’s 111-117 loss to the NLEX last October 16. And four nights later, in their 107-113 defeat to San Miguel, Alston went 8-of-14.
“I missed six free throws, and we lost by six to San Miguel; I missed six free throws and we lost by six to NLEX,” recalled the 25-year-old forward from Chicago.
“So those were the difference.”
The Dyip faced the Phoenix Pulse on Friday evening. And once again, Alston missed six free throws.
He shot 14-of-20 from the line. But unlike versus the Road Warriors and the Beermen, the Dyip overcame the Alonzo Gee-powered Fuel Masters, 106-104, to get back into the win column.
“Missed six again tonight,” said Alston, who had 30 points and 19 rebounds. “So I’m just trying to keep getting better.
“Boost my percentage, make free throws, and help the team win.”
The victory meant plenty, for Columbian as it snapped its two-game losing skid and hiked its win-loss record to 4-4. The Dyip also now sit sixth in the team standings.
And should the Dyip do well in their last three games, the quarterfinals will be within their reach. But it won’t be easy, as waiting for them are Magnolia, Meralco, and Barangay Ginebra.
Alston knows how tough that stretch will be, so he vowed that they will give it their all in those games.
“Our mentality is leaving it all on the court, giving it all we got, playing hard,” said Alston, who’s a champion in the Chilean League.
“These three games are not going to be easy.”
