Three times being a runner up in the last 2 years (against the same team -- how painful is that??), I thought the Alaska Aces would take this Commissioner's Cup Finals against ROS by storm. I wasn't able to watch Games 1 and 2 but based on what I read online, they weren't doing very well, add to it the absence of Vic Manuel and Jvee Casio, they were also at a disadvantage. I believed, though, with all my heart that they would win Game 3. They wouldn't want to go back to a 0-3 hole like they experienced against SMB, thus leading to a sweep.
I was wrong. Here we are again. 0-3 on a best of 7 series. Just like what happened to them against SMB. Watching game 3, I felt that they were lacking energy. Sure, they had spurts of energy and tight defense, but they weren't consistent. Now, it wasn't a matter of blaming Coach Compton for replacing who was "hot" on the court with "fresh legs", which breaks the Aces' momentum because there wasn't one to break in the first place! It was frustrating because their shots weren't going in and it also didn't help that ROS kept on making 3-pt shots. The Aces were able to cut the lead down to 4pts but, the game was over then. If only there were another 2 minutes left. If only RJ Jazul didn't miss that technical free throw. If only they scored in the three times they ran back and forth on the court with ROS.
My spirit was at an all-time low after watching that game. I wanted to believe that the Aces still had a chance in winning this series. But, in my mind, I knew there wasn't. Sure, they could grab a win (2 if they were really lucky). BUT I KNEW THEY COULDN'T WIN 4 STRAIGHT GAMES AGAINST ROS esp if they are playing like the way they did on Game 3! I know I sound negative but I'm just being realistic.
I stil wanted to cheer for them, believe in them, but I didn't know where to get the fighting spirit, I felt that I had slowly lost faith in them. I couldn't say the words "Tiwala lang" anymore, esp. when you read in an article that the Aces themselves don't even know what's happening anymore.
I was looking for something that would inspire me to believe in them again and write something that would encourage them or even just the fans to still believe in them, give them even just a glimmer of hope. And then I came upon the first article I wrote about them, entitled "How I Came To Love the Aces". I was reminded of the first time I watched them live and how I slowly fell for them. Seeing the words "unselfish plays", "we not me", "teamwork" and "almost perfect defense" coming from me, it hit me. THAT is the Alaska that I love and believe in. Somewhere deep inside those missed shots, careless passes that resulted to turnovers, is one of the best (if not the best) defensive teams in the league. This is the team that would cut down a 20+ deficit in a matter of a few minutes without being rattled or panicked. They would execute plays perfectly and their solid defense would make the opposing team commit tons of turnovers. I still see that when they play these days, but I believe that what they lack is consistency. And also add to that the confidence, "yung kumpyansa sa sarili". I believe they can dig deeper within themselves and still win a game (or four) in the next coming days.
To my fellow Aces fans who are looking for something to believe in in this 0-3 hole we are in, I hope this gives you a glimmer of hope. It did on me. :) Instead of criticizing them repeatedly, all we can really do is support them. Sila nga lalaban pa eh, tayo pa kaya! Our support is what the team needs most at this point in time. Hey Alaska Aces, no matter what happens, I got your back! Don't give up! One game at a time. It isn't easy, it never was, but I know you can do it when the will and drive is there! I will still cheer for you, with all my heart. :) GO ALASKA! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! :)
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