GETTING INTO THE GROOVE
It was night and day for Jervy Cruz in Rain or Shine’s first two games against Alaska in the PBA Philippine Cup Final 4.
Shooting 3-of-8 in the first game, Cruz wasn’t much of a factor as ROS dropped the series opener.
“Nung Game 1, naghehesitate ako tumira kaya yung mga jump shot, di pumapasok,” he said. “Kulang sa hustle, yun ang nakita namin sa video, kulang kami sa energy.”
Cruz’s 9-of-13 shooting clip helped him nab a double-double with his 19 points and 12 rebounds, as Rain or Shine equalized the series at one game apiece Saturday. But the former UST Growling Tiger said, “Tsamba lang yun. Sabi lang ni coach Yeng, pag open, tira lang kami.”
Though Guiao wasn’t in the bench in the first half, the E-Painters were still able to erect a big lead early.
“Hindi naman nakaapekto sa amin yung kawalan ni coach kasi nagbigay sya ng instruction na ganito yung gagawin na,” Cruz said.
However, when Guiao finally made it to the Mall of Asia Arena, Rain or Shine seemed to relax a bit, as the Aces slowly clawed their way back to the game.
This bad habit is what Cruz hopes could be cured come Game 3 on Monday.
“Nagrelax lang kami. Medyo problema namin yun na pag malaki na yung lamang namin, nagrerelax na kami,” he said. “Kailangan naming ayusin yun kasi semis na at kailangan talagang magtrabaho.”
“Sabi nga ni coach Yeng kahapon, kailangan naming bumawi kasi pag na-down kami ng 0-2, mahirap na makabawi.” (RL)
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