Kevin Alas. PBA IMAGES
Even before Mahindra import James White made his move in the Enforcer’s final possession, NLEX guard Kevin Alas already had an idea how the play will develop.
The Road Warriors’ defense was planned to send White to go to his left and when took the bait, Alas timed it perfectly for the steal to preserve his team’s 82-81 win on Wednesday.
“I just played to his tendencies. We’re sending him left so alam ko na pagnag-drive siya sa kaliwa alam ko na susundot na ako, alam ko yun lang yung gagawin niya. Pinagaralan ko na yung tendencies niya so buong game naman yun din ginagawa niya,” said Alas.
The 24-year-old Alas also made sure he won’t be denied from making a crucial stop for NLEX after committing a silly turnover with 54 seconds left that left the door open for Mahindra to steal the game.
“Actually, mindset ko nung nagturnover ako, I have to get this stop para ma-cover up yung turnover ko. Masaya ako na nakabawi ako sa defense.”
Alas also stepped up at the right time after Jonas Villanueva rolled his ankle and had to be taken out with still 2:05 remaining.
Henry Walker led the Road Warriors with 39 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, while Alas was top local scorer for his team with 13 points that went with four rebounds and four steals.
Alas said NLEX approached the game as a must-win after losing three of its last four games.
“We’re struggling kasi nag-three-game losing skid kami. Medyo marami ng issue lumabas sa team. Sabi lang namin one game at a time, inuna lang namin yung game namin sa Star then ngayon sa Mahindra. We have to prepare for Meralco,” he said.
“Human nature. May mga doubts na. Ako personally, pinipilit ko yung sarili ko na maging positive sa practice, and encourage some of my teammates kasi may mga doubts na nga tapos nakisali pa ako, baka mag-rub off sa lahat.”