Allein Maliksi is looking to play a pivotal role for Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals after struggling for the majority of the hard-fought semifinal series with Magnolia Pambansang Manok.
Maliksi had raised his game to a new level during the elimination round but encountered an offensive slump once the Bolts began their series with the top seed Hotshots.
But Maliksi made up for his inconsistency when it mattered, firing 24 points in the deciding fifth game that saw Meralco produce a 94-81 win and fourth meeting with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for the championship.
“It’s gonna be parang one key sa team namin which is kailangan maging consistent ako compared sa last series namin against Magnolia kasi medyo inconsistent ako nun,” he said.
“To beat Ginebra, kailangan double yung effort mo and you need to be consistent para makakuha ka sa kanila ng panalo,” added Maliksi.
The veteran wingman posted significant numbers for Meralco during the eliminations, averaging 16.5 points on 48-percent shooting highlighted by a 32-point showing in a loss to Alaska and 27 during a win against Phoenix Super LPG that clinched the twice-to-beat advantage.
His numbers dropped at the start of the playoffs with 7.2 points on a 39-percent clip prior to the semifinal decider.
Maliksi will have to build on his vital performance the last time as Meralco seeks to finally beat Ginebra for the crown after three unsuccessful tries.
“Mahirap talaga talunin ang Ginebra kaya you have to always bring your A-game,” he said.