ALL OUT FOR SURVIVAL
In Alaska’s 89-80 win over Barako Bull Sunday, forward Gabby Espinas was a vital cog in the Aces’ fight for survival.
The former PCU star had 21 points and nine rebounds, stepping up for the foul-hobbled Calvin Abueva and the ailing Sonny Thoss.
But for Espinas, his 35 minutes on the floor that night was just another day in the office.
“Ginagampanan ko lang yung role ko,” he said. “Pag nakakatulong ako ng maganda sa team, namo-motivate ko rin yung sarili ko na sundan pa ng mas magandang laro sa next game.”
“Binibigyan ako ng trust ni coach. Binibigyan niya ako ng playing time, kaya ako, grab ko lang yung opportunity,” he said.
The scrappy forward knew the implications for his team in that game, and he made sure that he would really give his all for the Aces.
“Kailangan talagang makipag-patayan sa loob, kasi pag natalo kami, out na kami,” Espinas said. “Kailangan talagang ibuhos mo na lahat.”
With Alaska facing his former team Meralco in the do-or-die affair on Monday, Espinas said they should be ready for anything the Bolts would give them once they take the Mall of Asia Arena court.
“Ganun pa rin yung ilalaro namin. Kung pisikal sila, pwede rin tayo maging pisikal, he said. “All-out lang talaga.” (RLeongson)
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