By REYNALD MAGALLON
After a so-so showing, veteran Allein Maliksi was called to step up in Game 5 and he delivered – in fiery fashion.
The ace gunner came up big, providing the needed spark off the bench to help Meralco eke a 92-88 win and seize a 3-2 series lead in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday, June 14.
Maliksi was aggressive right from the first moment he stepped on the Big Dome floor, pouring eight in the opening quarter alone.
He finished with 22 points to share the scoring load with Chris Newsome – seemingly an answer to the calls for him to step up after being limited to single digit scoring through the last three games of the series
“Talagang chinallenge ko yung sarili ko today to be aggressive, to be a leader, to be a veteran. Nag-usap kami ni Raymond, ni Bong, nakita namin yung article, sabi namin step up tayo,” said Maliksi referring to articles online pointing out his contributions – or the lack thereof – in the series.
“Today, nakaka-challenge kasi pag maganda laro mo, maganda rin yung mga write-ups, pero pag nag-struggle ka, may mababasa kang write-ups,” he said.
Averaging just 8.3 points in Games 2 to 4 after firing 15 in the series opening win for Meralco, Maliksi admitted he was really struggling the past few games but he was giving way for his teammates who have been stepping up in the series.
“Minsan, struggle ka, maganda yung nilalaro ng team eh. So kahit na nag-struggle ako, I’m giving way sa teammates ko. Maganda nilalaro ni Bong Quinto, maganda nilalaro ni Cliff Hodge, noong isang game naman, si New maganda nilalaro. Give way lang. Give and take,” he added.
Feeling the need to step up, Maliksi stressed that there was really a conscious effort to be aggressive in Game 5 even asking Meralco’s playmakers to set him up in positions that he has the ability to score.
“I’m asking plays para sa sarili ko. I’m more assertive in terms of offense and I’m calling… sabi ko, New, call this play, CB, set me up. Mga ganoon. Just always be involved,” he added.
“Two-man game or three-man game or weak side, just continue to find my touches and aggressive lang. Kailangan ko talaga mag-step up eh kasi nag-step up na si New, si Bong, si Raymond, si Cliff, so it’s my turn na mag-step up na rin,” he added.
