CALVIN Abueva admitted Alaska was totally sluggish and he himself lacked the energy to carry the Aces past the suddenly scorching Barako Bull.
The hardworking Alaska forward failed to bring in the defensive energy the Aces had shown during their 6-0 start this season, allowing the Energy to pepper them with shots from inside and outside.
[See Barako Bull rides hot hands of Denok Miranda to deal Alaska first loss of season]
“Di ko alam eh, halos lahat parang lanta, parang bilasa na, eh kahit ako, aaminin ko, wala rin ako sa energy. Tapos, swerte pa sila (Energy) na nag-dire-diretso hanggang fourth quarter,” a dejected Abueva told Spin.ph after the game.
Although the “Beast” logged in his fifth double-double this season with 16 points and 12 rebounds, Alaska’s usual reliable scorers like Cyrus Baguio and Dondon Hontiveros failed to get their scoring grove.
Reactivated slotman Sonny Thoss also wasn’t in his element, since coming off a three-game absence due to a nagging foot problem.
The trio of Alaska veterans combined to shoot a woeful 4-of-22 from the field, leaving Abueva, Vic Manuel (15 points) and JV Casio (13 points) to take care of the offense.
However, at 6-1, Alaska is still very much in contention for one of the top 2 slots, which would guarantee a seat in the semifinals.
They try to bounce back strong on Saturday when they face the GlobalPort Batang Pier in Cagayan de Oro City.
“Makakabawi pa naman kami sa next game namin. Hindi naman porke natalo ka na eh, di ka na makakahanda uli,” said the 26-year-old 2012 PBA Rookie of the Year.
Abueva said they intend to bring back their intensity and game focus against the Batang Pier this weekend.
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