Alaska lacked effort in loss to Meralco, says Abueva
Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER
Every loss stings, and for Calvin Abueva, who almost single-handedly towed Alaska to a comeback that just fell short in a narrow loss to Meralco on Friday, this one really hurts.
Facing a 12-point deficit in the third quarter, the energetic forward took matters into his own hands, leading the Aces’ fightback that got them to a 98-deadlock with 3:16 left.
But things just went haywire for Alaska after that.
Jimmy Alapag took over for the Bolts and scored six straight points in the endgame for a 104-98 lead with a little over a minute left.
Alaska made one last push, again with Abueva leading the way before “The Beast” got called for his sixth foul in the waning seconds.
“Nakakapanglambot nung bandang huli,” he said.
Abueva did everything he could as he finished with 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field and nine rebounds.
Still, Abueva feels that everyone, including himself, lacked in effort.
“Kulang talaga. Nakulangan kami kasi kulang yung effort namin,” he said.
Even Alaska head coach Alex Compton was disappointed with the turnout as he uncharacteristically evaded reporters after the game.
Alaska, which bowed out of top two contention, goes for a bounce back win when its takes on NLEX on Friday. A win by the Aces will give them the No. 3 spot.
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