ACES ON A ROLL
Coaches say that whenever you are given some playing time, you have to make the most out of your stint.
And that is exactly what Gabby Espinas did Wednesday when Alaska extended its winning run to three with a 78-71 victory over Barako Bull.
In 23 minutes on the floor, the former PCU Dolphin gave their tireless import Rob Dozier all the help he needed as he contributed 14 points, none bigger than the six points he had in the payoff period to maintain the Aces’ breathing room from the Energy in the final minutes.
“Nagtitiwala si coach sa depensa ko kaya nagtatagal ako sa loob at nagagawa ko yung mga ginawa ko kanina,” Espinas said.
He added that with Dozier already leading by example, albeit in a silent but deadly way, the rest of the Aces should support their import when it comes to their squad’s active pace on the court.
“Yung additional energy lang ang kailangan naming ibigay sa team. Given na yung import namin ay nagtrabaho, so kami nage-extra effort lang kami para makatulong sa team,” Espinas said.
He also added that Dozier’s familiarity with the whole squad has been a big plus.
“Sa amin, adjust lang kami ng konti. Halos wala na nga kaming ina-adjust kasi kabisado na ni Rob yung plays eh.”
“Kailangan naming i-defend yung title namin kaya step up lang kami,” he said.
Espinas is hoping that this winning run Alaska has been experiencing will continue even after the All-Star and Holy Week breaks.
“Sana magandang senyales para sa amin ito. Sana masundan pa. Sana maipanalo pa namin yung remaining games namin.” (RL)
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