AS the defending PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion, Alaska is not playing as a team, so laments Cyrus Baguio.
“Hindi kami team ngayon, kaya kailangan mag-usap-usap para maging successful kami,” said the high-flying guard shortly after the Aces suffered their second loss in three outings Wednesday night after an 85-76 setback to the injury-depleted Meralco.
Baguio in particular was hard on himself especially after struggling against the Bolts, who held him scoreless in the entire second half.
The 33-year-old pride of Iligan City finished the game with 12 points and went 0-of-5 from the field in the second half in 38 minutes of action.
“Di ko alam kung ano nangyayari sa amin, pero pwuede pa naman kami bumawi. Sana maayos namin depensa namin kasi marami ring nag-struggle eh,” he said.
“Siguro mahirap mag back-to-back games sa conference na ito. Magagaling din ang mga imports eh, saka mga bago halos.”
Adding to the Aces’ woes was their failure to limit Meralco import Brian Butch, who tossed 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to earn Best Player of the game honors.
The 6-foot-10 Butch, a one-time NBA Developmental League Impact Player of the Year, frustrated the Aces no end with his solid outside shooting.
Butch, a standout of Wisconsin in college, took Alaska’s veteran center Sonny Thoss to school, knocking down six three-point shots, while imposing his presence in the paint.
Despite Alaska’s 1-2 record, Baguio is confident the Aces can recover in time when they face Rain or Shine Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
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