The Alaska Aces have suffered long enough.
For the past three years, the franchise has made four Finals appearances, two in the Philippine Cup. However, they have failed to raise the trophy during those four attempts.
Is it an on-going curse or just sheer bad luck?
But Vic Manuel does not believe in luck. A badly bruised left ankle did not stop Alaska’s bruiser from playing Friday evening against Phoenix. Even if he was adviced by the team’s doctor to take a rest, he did not heed the doctor’s note.
“Kailangan kasi namin itong panalo na ito. Dapat nga hindi ako maglalaro ngayon kaso kung hindi kami manalo dito, alanganin na kami sa playoff,” the native of Nueva Ecija shared.
“Sinabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na kailangan kong lumaro.”
Manuel willed his way in 22 minutes of game time, finishing the game with a game-high 21 points and seven rebounds — 3.7 points above his norms. And it was as if he was not ailing as he did it with his usual no non-sense approach.
“This game really meant a lot to us,” Alaska head coach Alex Compton said about the 106-85 win.
“I felt that there was a consistent sense of urgency for us.”
The win was a big one for Alaska as they were able to keep pace with the TNT Katropa for the top two seed in the playoffs.
But more importantly for Manuel, the team’s depth is finally showing when they badly needed it. With him, Calvin Abueva, and Chris Banchero either hurt or sidelined, Kevin Racal and Jake Pascual were able to provide for the Aces — combining for 30 points and providing energy on the defensive end.
“Laking bagay sa amin nun. Kahit sino naman sa amin kayang umiskor. Ang importante ay yung depensa na naibigay din nila,” the ninth overall pick in the 2012 Draft added.
And with just a game remaining in their calendar, Manuel continues to preach that they should create their own luck against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
“Kailangan pa namin mas maging focused sa offense at sa defense. Wala namang perfect game sa amin e. Paghahandaan namin sila sa mga susunod na araw,” he vowed.
