Finals trip within reach for more matured Bolts: ‘We’re growing up’ says Alapag
Jimmy Alapag knows Meralco has come a long way.
After only winning one game the entire Philippine Cup, the Bolts are just a couple of victories away from the franchise’s first ever trip to the Finals.
“We’re growing up,” Alapag, whose presence alone serves as a big boost to his young team, told reporters following Meralco’s gritty 92-87 win over perennial finalist Alaska in Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinals series on Wednesday night. “I’ve said it from the beginning, this process with our team going back [last] conference, where it was a struggle, it was really the start of the process.”
“And now that we’re here in the semis you see this team growing up. I think you see the chemistry, the effort is getting better. Guys believe that we belong here and that’s a great thing.”
Through the first five quarters in the semis, Alaska has outclassed Meralco. But with practically their season on the line, the Bolts showed what they’re made of.
Led by Jared Dillinger and some timely baskets by Alapag and import Arinze Onuaku, Meralco came back from 14 points down in the final nine minutes to even up the series at 1-1.
“We’re up against a championship team with a great coach and it will take a championship-type effort for a team that isn’t really necessary used to being on that stage. But we’re getting there and tonight was another big step forward,” said Alapag, who won all of his six championships as a member of Talk ‘N Text.
“It was important because best-of-five is such a short series and you don’t wanna fall 0-2 especially against a team like Alaska. You know they’ve been here and again, we’re just in the process of being here consistently,” he added.
The 38-year-old Alapag, who initially retired for seven months before accepting the challenge of providing the needed leadership to guide an unexperienced Meralco side, is also relishing this opportunity to be back on the big stage.
“It feels great. This time last year I was on the sidelines as a team manager cheering on Ivan and the guys at Talk ‘N Text,” he said. “To be back out there competing and to have my babies, it means the world to me. And the fact that they can be along for this journey means everything.”
The Bolts have never been this close to their ultimate goal of winning a championship, but Alapag knows they’re still far from crossing the finish line.
“I think tonight is definitely a big win for our team. A big step forward and most importantly it keeps us alive in this series. Now all of our focus shifts on Friday because that will be the biggest game of the series.”
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