More than just chasing a milestone, Hontiveros focused on defense to help Aces
He may have failed to inch closer to a milestone last Tuesday, but expect veteran Dondon Hontiveros to get his 500th steal soon enough with how he is putting focus on his defense this 2015-2016 PBA Philippine Cup.
The Cebuano shooter is just few steals short of reaching the 500-steals club, and that’s something that Hontiveros is aware of.
“Nakakainis nga kasi five steals na lang sana 500 steals na,” Hontiveros said with a grin after Alaska escaped with a 107-102 last Tuesday.
But his vigor on defense is not just about chasing an achievement, it’s aimed at making Alaska an even more formidable opponent.
“Yung mga ganun, alam mo na may hinahabol ka na milestone. But it’s us defending aggressively and dapat walang three points,” he said.
Hontiveros didn’t register a steal, but his defensive efforts helped the Aces seal a league-leading 5-1 record.
With Alaska up 105-102 in the final 7.4 seconds of the game, Star still had a chance to tie the game with a trey, something which everyone anticipated will go to James Yap. The former two-time MVP did receive the inbounds pass, but he fumbled on his grip and paved way to Hontiveros and Cyrus Baguio capitalizing on the error.
“James had a chance, pero natapik ni Cyrus at napunta sa akin,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros gets another chance on Friday as the Aces
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