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MANILA, Philippines-Aaron Black turned in a career-best 24 points in Meralco’s 99-93 loss at the hands of Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night.
And expectedly, the young guard was in no mood to celebrate such a feat.
“I would take the win any time of the day over any kind of stat. If I had 50 points, I’d take the win over that,” he told reporters on his way out of the bayside venue.
“It is different being up 2-0 than being tied,” he added. “We’re back to square one again.”
The glut of Black’s output came in the third period, where Meralco pulled within 82-71 after being down by as many as 20 points.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone also heaped praises at the son of his counterpart Norman, who said the young guard was playing “at an All-Star level.”
“He did it against Magnolia. He tore us apart in Game 1. And now, he brought (the fine play) back in Game 2. It’s getting to be a normal thing,” said Cone.
“I’m sure Norman is really killing about it. I mean, wouldn’t you be if it was your son doing that? I’m a bit envious. I don’t think anybody can question it at this level, man. He’s playing at an All-Star level now.”
Black has now put his sights on the tiebreaking Game 3 this Sunday. And if there’s anything to draw from this loss, it’s that Meralco is a truly capable bunch.
The Bolts actually cut the Gin Kings’ lead to just 94-91 going into the final two minutes of the contest.
“I think it shows us that if we play our type of basketball, we can definitely compete in the series,” Black said of the Bolts’ grit.
“So it is back to the drawing board, not just for me but for everybody. I think if we can come out better next game in the first half, it would give us a better chance to hopefully go up 2-1,” he added.