(CNN Philippines) — When the going got tough, Talk ’N Text rookie Kevin Alas got going.
With the crucial game on the line, Purefoods Star Hotshots and the Tropang Texters engaged in a physical tussle in the final period of Game 2 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Monday (April 6).
But, even as a newbie, Alas was not one to back down in the face of the physicality.
After being on the receiving end of shoves and elbows, the second overall pick in the 2014 Draft took matters into his own hands when star guard Jayson Castro was shelved during some stretches by foul trouble.
Alas scored 10 of his 12 points in the final quarter to instigate a 9-to-nothing surge that gave Talk ’N Text a six-point lead that never relinquished, 76-70.
Castro put the finishing touches by scoring seven of his team-high 21 points in the waning minutes.
“Siguro na-motivate din ako nung pinipisikal ako. Gusto ko ma-shoot yung mga tira para matignan ko sila,” said Alas in the aftermath of Talk ’N Text’s 93-77 victory that tied the best-of-five series at one-game apiece.
Related: Talk ’N Text ties series with win over Purefoods
The former Letran star said physical play, after all, is nothing new to him.
“Part of the game na yung physicality,” he said. “Sa ngayon medyo sanay na naman ako kasi since college. Pati sa Gilas naglalaro rin ng ganito.”
And Alas is expecting Game 3 on Thursday (April 9) to be as tough, but he hopes his team will come out on top anew.
“Hopefully manalo kami. Purefoods ‘yan, we have to be ready,” he said.
“We can’t be satisfied. Nanalo kami ngayon pero sabi nga ni coach, ‘One win doesn’t win the series.’”
Photos: Talk ‘N Text vs Purefoods Semifinals Game 2
