Campbell admits he ‘could’ve done more’ in end game for Alaska

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Antonio Campbell had a rousing debut anyone could hope for, tallying 40 points and 20 rebounds for Alaska in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

However, that stellar statline was for naught as the Aces suffered a heartbreaking 103-109 overtime defeat to Rain or Shine on Friday, prompting the 23-year-old to blame himself for the loss.

“I could have done more later on down the stretch,” he lamented. “I caught a few cramps that slowed me down a little bit.”

Campbell showed no quit in the game even after the Elasto Painters held a 105-103 lead in the last 24.3 seconds, draining a big three with 20.6 ticks on the clock to keep the Aces in the game, 105-103.

However, it was also on Campbell’s hands that Alaska suffered its demise.

Gabe Norwood secured a steal against him that led to Maverick Ahanmisi’s game-sealing layup with 2.9 seconds left in overtime. Campbell then threw the ball away on the inbounds in the ensuing possession that ended the Aces’ rally.

Drawing with the short end of the stick, Campbell remains positive especially with how hard Alaska fought in the game.

“The team battled hard and we fought. We missed a couple of easy bunnies that could have sealed the deal, but we’ll be back and we’ll get the thing done,” he said.

Alaska faces Blackwater next Wednesday and Campbell  couldn’t be more excited to return to the court and  feed off the energy of the enthusiastic Filipino crowd.

“It’s a lot different,” said Campbell, who is on his first international tour of duty. “The atmosphere, the fans are insane, the energy in the building is high. When the energy is high from the fans and from the stands, that makes the players’ energy become even higher.”