It’s no secret that the Alaska Aces have been bitten hard by the injury bug, even before starting their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup run. The return of key guys Simon Enciso, Jvee Casio, Kevin Racal, and Vic Manuel has yet to be revealed.
Moreover, the Aces’ frontline has been cut just recently, as GBoy Babilonia got hurt. With the 6-foot-6 rookie out of Ateneo joining the four on the sidelines, Alaska now only have four active big men left.
But thankfully for them, the veterans are there to show up, such as Carl Cruz.
The third-year forward impressed on Wednesday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena. He finished with a game-high 20 points and nine rebounds, to lead the Milkmen to a masterful 94-72 showing over the skidding Columbian Dyip.
“Sa’kin mentality ko big opportunity para sa’kin.
“Wala yung mga main guys namin like Vic Manuel. Kumbaga eto na yung chance na mag-step up at ipakita yung best mo,” said Cruz of his game moments after the rousing win.
But as impressive as he was, Cruz still deflected the credit to the team’s system. He asserted that it had been the main reason for their dismantling of the Dyip – all 10 of Alaska’s players finished with at least four points.
“Nagdala na lang sa’min sa panalo sistema namin,” said Cruz, whose Aces led Dyip by as many as 30 twice.
“Kahit sino ipasok ni coach Alex [Compton], kahit walang star player sa loob, nadadala pa rin ng sistema namin.”
Alaska have now entered the win column after they suffered a dismantling of their own at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Sunday. For Cruz, Wednesday was a great chance for them to show that they’re better than three nights ago.
“Sabi sa’min ni coach Alex magandang opportunity to sa’min para mai-correct namin yung mga mali namin nung first game. Lumabas naman this second game na na-improve namin sarili namin, nakapag-adjust,” said the 27-year-old forward.
“Great bounce-back para sa’min.”
