ALEX Compton made the scenario simple for Alaska after yet another loss in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Win the Aces’ playoff game against either Phoenix or Meralco and advance in the quarterfinals.
“As long as there’s life left, we’re going to honor the game,” said Compton as he tried to put up a brave front after the Aces bowed against Blackwater, 112-104, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that denied the team an outright berth in the next round.
The setback was the latest for the Aces, who had dropped their last five games and ended the eliminations with a 4-7 record, tying them with the Fuel Masters at no. 8 and just a full game ahead of the idle Bolts (3-7).
For Compton though, as long as the quarterfinals door remains open, the Aces will continue to seize the opportunity no matter how small it is.
“Apparently we still have a sliver breath of hope we’re going to fight for that,” said the Alaska mentor.
“And if you got a chance, you honor it and you play hard,” he added. “It might be a small chance and it might not be a big chance, but when you have a chance, you have to leave it all out there.”
The game against the Elite was the best chance for the Aces not to complicate matters, but Compton said there was no excuse.
“Offensively their stars made the plays, and we gave up 112 points again,” he pointed out. “I don’t think today was a case of we didn’t want it and they wanted it more.
“It was just they made shots and made big plays down the stretch. They were more patient. I thought they played a little more mature on offense than ours.”
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