PBA IMAGES.
Allein Maliksi’s time as hero for the Star Hotshots was as fast as his last name.
When the Hotshots were down 97-95, it was Maliksi who came out of the rebounding scrap and pulled up for a transition three with 14 seconds remaining to give Star a 98-97 lead.
His time of glory, though, only lasted nine seconds.
Blackwater import Eric Dawson took the lead back for Blackwater, 99-98, with a layup with nine seconds remaining then JP Erram blocked Maliksi’s fade-away attempt at the five-second mark as the Elite held on to win 100-98.
Maliksi, however, was thankful he got the opportunity to take the last shot.
“It’s a learning experience for me, first time kong mabigyan ng play for the last shot sana next time mag grow ako as a leader para sa team,” said the 28-year-old Maliksi.
“Wala rin namang problema si coach dun sa tinira kong tres.”
Star now sits at the bottom of the standings with a 0-2 record, but Maliksi is still optimistic despite the fate that has crashed upon them.
“Kasi minsan kahit na ganyan standing mo, 0-2, hindi naman parang yun yung value mo as a team,” said Maliksi. “Nago-grow kayo and mas okay na yung nago-grow kaysa nananalo kayo and hindi nago-grow.”