After losing twice before, Manuel feels it’s Alaska’s time
Vic Manuel feels Alaska has had enough heartbreaks.
From losing a Game 7 on a winning shot in the 2015 Philippine Cup Finals to getting swept two conferences after by the same team, the Aces have gone through so much pain.
“Tama na,” the brawny forward Manuel said. “Third time na namin nagharap. Iniisip namin na itong all-Filipino, para sa amin talaga. Hindi na pwedeng mapunta pa sa kanila. Hindi na namin pwedeng pakawalan pa.”
Just a week ago, Alaska was well on its way to redemption with a 3-0 lead, but on Friday night, the Aces moved on the brink of completing the greatest collapse in PBA history with the Beermen pulling off what seemed to be improbable then when it forced a Game 7.
“Dapat walang pressure kasi iniisip na lang namin na knockout game ito. Iniisip namin na laro na lang kami kasi talagang malakas yung San Miguel,” said Manuel, who has clearly been his team’s best player through six games in the series.
“Nahirapan nga kami nung wala si June Mar (Fajardo), pero ngayon bigla siyang bumalik kaya lalo kaming nahirapan. Talagang pinaghandaan namin sila ngayon. May mga adjustment kaming gagawin para sa Game 7 sa Wednesday. Sana mas maganda yung laruin namin,” added Manuel, who will be named Finals MVP if the Aces win on Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Manuel admits muffing three chances to snare the crown was frustrating for Alaska and crying over spilled milk won’t change anything.
“Nakakahinayang din, pero nangyari na eh. Di basta-basta mag-give up at di basta basta ibibigay ng San Miguel yung championship kasi defending champions sila. Talagang nakaka-frustrate dahil may chance kami tapusin yung series pero di namin nagawa,” he said.
“Kung makukuha pa nila ito, talagang nakakapanghinayang kasi hindi man lang kami maka-isa. Kailangan kami naman ngayon. Paghahandaan na lang namin sila sa Game 7.”
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