Enciso's brilliant night not enough for gritty Aces
MANILA, Philippines — If there’s someone who typified Alaska’s grit against a stacked San Miguel side on Sunday night, it’s Simon Enciso.
Trailing in the series and coming off the heels of a massive upset, the third-year guard almost singlehandedly carried the Aces in the final period.
He shot long bombs — and drained them. He facilitated on the offense, too. Enciso poured 14 of his total 19 points all in the payoff period in a bid to pull the rug on the defending conference champions and force a decider.
But that didn’t reach realization as Encisio and the Aces hit a brick wall in Alex Cabagnot, who drained a step-back jumper from the three-point line, as if asking Alaska to just concede.
“We prepared, we worked really hard on defense all the way to the end,” he told the press after his team got the boot from the playoffs.
“Sometimes you work hard but you don’t get the result that you want,” he shared. “The only thing you can do is get back in the gym and get ready next conference.”
But the loss, as disheartening as it was for a team that finished the elimination phase at second place, affords Encisio optimism as the game displayed the character of his team.
“Everybody stepped up when their named [was] called. Abel Galiguez stepped up, Jake Pascual (too). I’m so proud of everybody and I couldn’t be happier,” he said.
“I’m super proud of my teammates, coaching staff, we all worked together as one big family,” Enciso continued. “Unfortunately we didn’t get the result that we want. Next conference for sure we’ll be ready.”
And from that positivity, Enciso assured that the Aces will come back sharper and stronger.
“I promise you we’ll get better next conference,” he declared.
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