SOMETIMES it takes two James for San Mig Super Coffee to win.
With only James Mays producing as desired, the Mixers lost to Alaska, 77-86, in Game One of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series on Monday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
While the Mixers’ import registered a double-double of 18 points and 11 boards, local star James Yap was limited to 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting.
The two-time league MVP was quick to own up for his shortcoming.
“Naawa kami kay James dahil hindi namin siya natulungan masyado,” Yap admitted. “So hopefully this coming Game Two, kailangan buong team talaga yung maglalaro.”
Fellow local Mark Barroca churned in 17 points, but only contributed two points in the payoff period, where the Aces broke away from a tightly-fought contest marked by 20 lead changes and 10 deadlocks.
“Ganun naman talaga sa sistema namin eh, kailangan magtu-tulungan,” said Yap, who nursed a back injury. “Hindi lang isang tao ang kakayod.”
In all, the Aces outscored the Mixers, 24-16, in the final frame to solidify their title-retention campaign, while leaving a huge dent to their opponent’s bid for a third straight championship.
“Isipin mo yung pagkatalo kung ano yung mga mali, then gawin mong tama sa Game Two,” said Yap, who was hardly worried as he answered questions from sport scribes.
That’s understandable.
The Mixers have been in a familiar situation before in the import-spiced conference, specifically in the last two editions, where they bucked a one-game deficit in the quarterfinals -- both against Meralco -- to advance to the next round.
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