WATCHING Barangay Ginebra fall short in Game Three of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup finals on Wednesday fueled Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin to channel the NSD spirit more than ever in their semis-clinching Game Two win over PLDT.
Alinsunurin, a longtime Ginebra fan, drew inspiration from the Flying Titans’ Gin Kings-like fanbase to complete a 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13 win over PLDT — their seventh win in as many five-set contests this conference.
Safe to say, he’ll be thrilled to produce a different result than what Brgy. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone settled for less than 24 hours at the same Pasig City venue.
READ: Choco Mucho books semis seat in PVL AFC by giving PLDT the boot
“Nagsimula rin sa mga fans na nandito. Kapag kami yung nakaka-opensa, kahit lamang yung kalaban, talagang nandyan sila to support sa’min,” Alinsunurin said.
“Nabubuhayan kami sa ginagawa namin, same lang din sa Ginebra. Pinapanood ko yan na talagang kahit nalalamangan sila, marami pa ring support.”
Choco Mucho’s NSD spirit isn’t just good for playoff games or high-stakes situations.
It is an over-arching philosophy Alinsunurin strives to instill to his players, whether they’re on top, and especially if the going gets tough.
“Sa’min kasi, yung never-say-die (spirit) namin, talagang every time na may (mahirap) na situation, tinatakbuhan namin yung isa’t isa,” the Choco Mucho head coach said.
“Kailangan talagang nama-maximize namin yung pwede pa naming magawa sa loob ng court.
“Sa performance ng players ko kanina, talagang hindi sila bumigay. Gusto talaga nilang makabalik sa semifinals.”
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