‘Pain free’ Exciminiano ready to return in Game 6 for Aces

Ping Exciminiano. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Things are really falling into place for Alaska.

After winning Games 4 and 5 to get themselves back in the thick of the fight, the Aces will be getting a much-needed boost with the return of Ping Exciminiano on Wednesday.

“Good to go na, Ready na ako,” said Exciminiano on Tuesday on the eve of Game 6, where the Aces will try to force a winner-take-all. “Maganda yung practice namin kanina and nakakasabay na ako.”

Exciminiano sprained his left knee in Game 3, but is now pain free.

“Wala nang pain. I’m 100 percent ready,” he said.

“I think Ping should be physically ready. I think he should be okay now,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton.

In the absence of Exciminiano, rookie Kevin Racal filled the void, doing just enough to help Alaska survive two knockout games against Rain or Shine even with the likes of Vic Manuel and JVee Casio also sidelined with injuries.

And no one could be happier to see Racal make his presence felt than Exciminiano.

“Sa totoo lang sobrang thankful ako and buong Alaska sa pagpasok niya naging maganda nangyari. Sobrang happy ako doon.”