PBA: Kevin Alas rues NLEX allowing Baltazar, Juan GDL to dominate boards in loss to Converge

Kevin Alas was almost at a loss for words after NLEX surrendered a 95-107 decision in overtime to Converge in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Dec. 17

“We just gave up our chance sa overtime. Wala, talo talaga,” Alas said on his way out of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.

It did not take long before the Road Warriors veteran came up with a reason for the loss, pointing to the team’s poor rebounding, which allowed Justine Baltazar and Juan Gomez de Liaño to dominate in the department for the FiberXers with their combined 37 boards.

"Si Baltazar and Gomez de Liaño, 24 at saka 13 rebounds,” Alas, who wound up with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists, said.

It should be a collective effort. Hindi lang naman bigs 'yan. We have to do a better job of rebounding the ball. Thirty-seven rebounds between two people, mabigat 'yon.”

[RELATED STORY: PBA: Baltazar posts 20-20 as Converge outlasts NLEX in OT, remains in hunt for QF bonus]

NLEX also continued to miss the service of Robert Bolick, who has missed two games now as he is currently competing for Gilas Pilipinas in the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.

The Road Warriors skidded to 6-5 at eighth.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Why did Converge sign veteran Vic Manuel?]

While it is very likely that his squad is already out of the race for a twice-to-beat advantage reserved for the top four teams at the end of the eliminations, Alas remains upbeat heading into the quarterfinals.

“Twice to beat kami last conference, natalo kami. We’re just hoping na we’ll do the same thing, to win twice naman,” Alas said.

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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.