Back from the dead, Aces stay in playoff hunt

Calvin Abueva. PBA IMAGES

After Alaska’s 0-6 start in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup, the players know that they have no choice but to play like there’s no tomorrow.

Not only are the Aces’ campaign this conference is hanging in the balance, but so are their careers as well.

“Our captain (JVee Casio) said that a lot of us have expiring contracts. So if we want to get extended, get a raise, we have to make it to the playoffs,” said Calvin Abueva in Filipino.

That explains the heightened sense of urgency of the Aces for the past three games as they snapped their inglorious 14-game losing skid dating back to last conference.

Alaska has now won three straight games with its latest victory at the expense of Kia, 102-94, on Sunday.

“We’re willing to die just for us to play well and make it to the playoffs,” the energetic forward said.

That mentality was in full display in the game against the Picanto as Alaska pulled itself back from 10 points down.

Abueva was at is best, doing a little bit of everything including getting into Kia import Geron Johnson’s head.

With Johnson losing his focus, Alaska capitalized with its import Buck Henton and starting point guard JVee Casio coming through down the stretch.

Abueva admitted that Johnson’s aggressiveness caught the Aces by surprise.

“We were rattled,” he said. “We knew we needed a win, but we struggled getting any momentum in the first three quarters. But in the fourth quarter, everything clicked and that was when we were able to show our energy and hustle. All we wanted was to win.”

However, if there’s one positive thing their slump gave the Aces, it’s that they can’t take any team lightly.

“Before, we’re a bit overexcited. We felt that we could beat anyone, but we were wrong. We realized that it’s not going to be easy,” said Abueva. “Now, I think we’re being more solid. We’re getting our momentum back and I hope we continue this.”

Alaska stakes its three-game winning streak against Meralco.