NLEX Road Warriors’ Kevin Alas during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against TNT Tropang Giga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kevin Alas felt his old days in NLEX emerge again in PBA Commissioner’s Cup action at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday.
Usually playing in careful and limited minutes after another ACL injury in late 2023, Alas was used a lot more than usual with Road Warriors star Robert Bolick being “under the weather.”
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NLEX couldn’t take the win as it fell to TNT, 94-87, but Alas was still wearing his signature smile after getting his minutes and playing alongside a sick Bolick.
READ: Kevin Alas shrugs superstitious worry after doubled court time
“Pagod na pagod ako,” said Alas jokingly.
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“Of course, we appreciated Berto that even if he was sick, he still played because you can see how he attracts the defense and it opens up the floor for me, the import and others but it’s unfortunate that we’re on the brink of elimination,” added NLEX’s ace.
Alas played for 34 minutes and ended up with 16 points, three assists and two rebounds on an efficient 5-for-8 shooting night from the field.
NLEX Road Warriors’ Kevin Alas during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against TNT Tropang Giga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The Letran product also served as the Road Warriors’ floor general and gave way to import Michael Watkins, who finished with 33 points and 20 rebounds in the defeat.
However, it wasn’t just Alas who got more minutes than usual as the squad’s young guns had more exposure to make up for an ailing Bolick.
READ: PBA: Kevin Alas suffers ACL injury for third time
Xyrus Torres had seven points and three assists while Jonnel Policarpio registered an all-around game of six points, six rebounds and four assists, a sight that Alas more than welcomed even with the loss.
“Since I’m one of the veterans in the team, nine years with NLEX, I just want to pay it forward because we have young guns here,” Alas said.
“I try to talk to them as much as I could to give them some advice. I appreciate them because they’re coachable and willing to listen.”
Even with Alas’ stellar game, though, the Road Warriors dropped to a 3-6 slate.
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NLEX aims to keep its playoff hopes alive on Sunday when the squad faces Phoenix at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
