How Can You Not Love the Aces?

*unselfish plays - CHECK

*wenotme - CHECK

*teamwork - CHECK

*almost perfect defense - CHECK

*consistency - CHECK

Now that wasn't so hard, right? CHAR. Haha

The Aces were able to force a Game 5 against ROS with a 12-pt win last Friday the 13th. While Friday the 13th was mostly believed to be an unlucky day, it proved to be otherwise for the Aces. Starting off with a BPC award for Calvin Abueva and ending the day with a win, avoiding the dreaded "sweep." 

I wasn't even thinking of the BPC awarding on that day. All I thought about was, are the Aces gonna win Game 4? I prepared myself for a Game 4 loss but no matter what. There's still a part of me who wishes that the Aces would click somehow, that I'd see them play Alaska basketball. Game 4 was a test to them, to see how hungry they were, how much they were willing to do for the team. 

I've read interviews, articles and statements from the players, saying that, they would do the best they can for Game 4, they've got nothing lose already so might as well give it their all. They couldn't afford to make mistakes, commit turnovers and miss free throws. I wondered how they would play that day, but I was hoping to see the Alaska Aces play the way they always did: with heart and drive to win. 

Then the time came. Game time. But first, the awarding of the BPC. Everyone was 99% sure that Calvin Abueva would bag this one. And he did. (Raise your hand if you got teary-eyed when you heard his name being called. I know I did.) The celebration didn't last long though. A few minutes after that, Alaska's do-or-die game was about to begin. 

I was nervous, yet hopeful. Then I got the  first surprise of the day - rookie Kevin Racal was starting for the Aces. The game was slowly unfolding in front of me. Halfway (or maybe just minutes) into the 1st q, I got my next surprise- I realized they were playing Alaska basketball. They were back! The hustle, carefully "thought of" passes and their signature "almost perfect defense." It all somehow clicked. I'm so proud and happy for them. Maybe it was the BPC award of Abueva, or their will to prove that they can beat ROS, or just to prove to themselves that they are just as strong and as deserving for a championship title. 

They've got a long way to go, it's not an easy road, but they already got through one obstacle. Go for one more (or three)! 

Hey Alaska Aces, would it be too much to ask for another win on Sunday, May 15? Show them what a powerhouse team you are. Be consistent and hungry for the win! My fellow Aces fans and I, we got your back! 

GO ALASKA! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!