Following a bout with Covid-19, no one expected that Kevin Alas would put up a scintillating performance – not even himself.
Alas, who missed the last two games due to health and safety protocols, revealed that he actually struggled with his stamina during practices after recovering from the virus.
“Praise God, I didn’t expect anything coming into this game,” said Alas. “I missed practice isang buong linggo last week. ‘Yung Covid, nandyan pa rin. We have to practice health and safety protocols,” said Alas after dropping a career-highs of 30 points and six triples to help NLEX live for another day and force a winner-take-all.
“Talagang first practice early this week, akala ko sasabog na lungs ko sa pagod. Talagang it’s all God kanina. Pagod na pagod ako kanina,” he added.
Despite his offensive explosion, Alas believes that what actually spelled the difference in the game was their team defense. Mark Barroca, who erupted for 24 points in Game 1, was limited to just four in Game 2.
“Siguro what struck me the most siguro is yung depensa namin kasi coach Yeng and the coaching staff, of course talagang ang dami pinanood sa aming video, nabobore na nga kami sa haba eh. Alam namin na it’s for our own good kasi alam namin na talagang coach yeng and the coaches they try to cover all bases eh,” said Alas
“It’s a game of adjustment, maganda yung adjustment ni coach Yeng and naexecute namin ng teammates ko and I think it’s a total team effort. We’re facing Magnolia, a very experienced team,” he added.
Still feeling the after effects of the illness, Alas said he’ll try to make the most of the short rest and be prepared for the sudden death on Sunday.
"Of course, time will tell. May pahinga pa naman tonight, tomorrow, and morning ng Sunday. Makakapahinga naman pareho. It’s going to be a game of adjustments. Pero personally, I’m okay," he assured.