Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kevin Alas felt he was the one to blame for NLEX’s latest loss on Wednesday night.
Alas cited lapses on his part in the critical moments of the Road Warriors’ 85-80 defeat to the TNT KaTropa.
“Today’s game I think I cost us the game because I fouled Jayson (Castro) then, Roger (Pogoy) hit that three-points that was my assignment then, I also missed an open three so I have to take responsibility,” Alas told reporters.
With NLEX trailing by two, Alas missed an open 3-pointer with 1:09 left then, saw TNT swingman Roger Pogoy hit a triple in front of him before committing a personal foul that led to a free throw by Jayson Castro for an 83-80 KaTropa edge with 14 seconds left.
With still a chance to tie, Alas found Bong Galanza from the right wing but his shot was just a bit short as TNT escaped for its first win and dealt NLEX its third straight loss in as many games.
Alas admitted he is still groping for form after appearing in just his third game since recovering from an ACL injury that kept him out for 10 months but offered no excuses for his abysmal shooting.
The 27-year-old Alas finished with only three points on 1-of-10 shooting. He also had four rebounds, seven assists, four steals but turned the ball over four times.
“Kevin is still struggling from the last game he was one out of 11, today, he’s one out of 10,” NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said.
“I’m still getting back into my game shape and still regaining my in game rhythm but no excuses because before I came back I felt I’m 100 percent ready,” Alas said.