In a series that Alaska Aces starting point guard JVee Casio described as “full of ups and downs” literally and figuratively, the ending was as good as the series as a whole. It culminated in a way that both teams still had a shot at the championship.
Calvin Abueva unthinkably out-jumped the 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo in a jump ball situation with 2.8 seconds left. Sonny Thoss grabbed the loose ball off Abueva’s tap and found Casio running towards a possible game-winning three-pointer. Casio released it on time but failed to make the shot and the rest is history for San Miguel’s 20th franchise trophy.
Some might wonder what was running in Casio’s mind during the dying seconds of their championship game. He passionately ran towards Thoss and willingly took the responsibility of Alaska’s fate. He was certainly on a mission as he recalled, “We still had a chance.” Tables would have turned if only that shot went in, but it didn’t and the guard out of La Salle just described his deep sadness after the miss as he sat on the court for a couple more seconds.
“Ups and downs, again we had the opportunities. After all it was a good series, a fun series,” said Casio, who added that he was grateful to be a part of it.
Full of optimism at the end of the long series, Casio quipped that they will take a short break before going back to training with hopes of going deep into the playoffs once more in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“(He said) he’s still proud kung ano yung ginawa namin at sa nangyari. We had that chance and opportunity. San Miguel played very well and congratulations to them,” he ended, sharing coach Alex Compton’s final words in the dugout.
