SIMON Enciso started out the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on a high note in Alaska’s win in its first game against the Columbian.
The 28-year-old Enciso had 19 points on 7 of 13 shooting from the field in the Aces’ 111-98 win over the Dyip on Sunday. Enciso also shot 5 of 9 from threes in the game.
“I think it was just a matter of time before we started clicking,” said Enciso, referring to the Aces’ third quarter in which they outscored the Dyip, 34-13. “We started getting into a good rhythm, guys hitting their shots. Luckily, I made some shots.”
“It’s all credit to the team. It’s a collective effort. Everyone who touched the ball was being aggressive and making extra passes. That’s what Alaska is. We played like a family tonight.”
Enciso’s performance is just what the team needs as the Aces start the conference playing three games in four playdates as they play NorthPort on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Enciso noted this crucial stage of the Aces’ campaign.
“It’s very crucial. You want to win the most games as you can during the elimination round. You have a twice-to-beat advantage. Our goal is to win the championship. We have to take it game by game,” said Enciso.
He likes their chances in this tough stretch of games for the Aces that will also see them face TNT and NLEX.
Enciso stressed the importance of having a healthy Chris Banchero, who was able to rest for a good part of that third quarter even though he appeared getting hurt in the fourth period.
“We helped Chris to resting him more. During this first four games, that’s going to help him in his legs. We have some tough upcoming games. Guys are going to have tough imports, maybe faster imports. This is going to be good for him that he was able to rest in the fourth quarter,” said Enciso.
Enciso also said the Aces have a hardworking import in 35-year-old Chris Daniels, who has the work ethic like their Governors’ Cup import in Mike Harris.
“He is a lot like Mike Harris. Just leads by example. Not a very high energy guy but he’ll talk when he needs to talk. He is very stern about what we need to do. He leads by example. People usually follow. I admire his hardwork. He really sets the tone for us,” said Enciso.
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