Kevin Alas, who was interviewed as the Player of the Game, did not forget to mention his wife, Selina, as they celebrated their anniversary Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Kevin Alas appeared to have regained his prolific form Wednesday night, Oct. 22.
Alas put up his best game yet since his third ACL surgery as he steered NLEX to an 87-81 win over Phoenix in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Alas unloaded 26 points, none bigger than the fadeaway jumper over the Fuel Masters' Kai Ballungay with 39.1 ticks left to give the Road Warriors an 85-81 lead.
“It’s all by God’s grace, performing like that. After three ACL injuries, grateful to God na nakakalaro pa rin ako at this level,” said Alas after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
It was a double celebration for Alas, who earned the Player of the Game honors on the day he and his wife, former PBA courtside reporter Selina Dagdag, celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary.
[RELATED STORY: Ace of Hearts, Part 1: Kevin Alas shares how he pursued Selina Dagdag-Alas the godly way]
“First, this is all for God’s glory. I’m not sure kung nanonood ba yung wife ko, si Selena. Fifth wedding anniversary namin," said Alas before proceeding to address his wife.
"See you soon, and I love you."
[RELATED STORY: Ace of Hearts, Part 2: Kevin and Selina Alas hold on to faith in overcoming trials]
Alas also had five rebounds, three assists and two steals in his inspired play.
Robert Bolick makes season debut
Robert Bolick suited up for NLEX for the first time this season after missing its first two matches as he grieved the death of his father in the US.
The Road Warriors star tallied nine points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals in more than 35 minutes on the court.
With him back and with Alas leading the charge, the Road Warriors bounced back from their loss to Terrafirma to score a second win in three games.
Robert Bolick suits up for NLEX for the first time in PBA Season 50. | Photo: PBA
Alas honors NLEX coaches' trust
The former Letran star stood at the center of NLEX’s furious 31-13 rampage in the second period, where he dropped 14 big points.
While the Road Warriors led by as many as 50-30 after that, Phoenix resisted and slowly got back into the game behind Ricci Rivero, who also had a stellar night with his career-high 22 points.
Rivero unloaded a pair of corner treys, the last of which got the Fuel Masters to within two, 81-83.
Alas then sought to isolate Ballungay, half spun right, then pulled back for a jumper before Bolick sealed the win with two free throws.
“Of course, tiwala rin ni coach Jong (Uichico) and the coaching staff, at the same time ng management. Lahat ng 'to, blessing sa’kin,” Alas said.
JB Bahio and Tony Semerad backed up Alas with 11 points apiece and combined for 18 rebounds, while Xyrus Torres chipped in 10 points.
Meanwhile, Phoenix drew 15 points from Jason Perkins and a double-double game of 12 points and 11 rebounds from Ballungay.
The Fuel Masters dropped to 1-2.
NLEX vs Phoenix Scores:
NLEX 87 – Alas 26, Bahio 11, Semerad 11, Torres 10, Bolick 9, Fajardo 7, Nieto 7, Ramirez 4, Valdez 2, Rodger 0, Mocon 0, Policarpio 0
PHOENIX 81 – Rivero 22, Perkins 15, Ballungay 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Kwekuteye 6, Caperal 5, Nelle 3, Manganti 2, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Santos 0, Escandor 0
Quarterscores: 14-17, 45-30, 70-57, 87-81
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.