Asi, Alas take blame for NLEX bitter loss

MANILA, Philippines - Asi Taulava and Kevin Alas rued their part in endgame slip that spoiled the NLEX Road Warriors’ crack at ending a winless spell versus the Star Hotshots and keeping an unblemished record in the 2015-16 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup.

Taulava admitted to a mental lapse while Alas blamed himself for making a “stupid, selfish play” that allowed the Hotshots to escape with a 97-95 win in the return of PBA action to the Philsports Arena in Pasig last Sunday.

Trailing by one at 96-97 with nine seconds to go, the Road Warriors gained a chance to steal the game following two missed free throws by James Yap.

Taulava and Alas, who gained ball possession in the last eight seconds, didn’t call a timeout as ordered by coach Boyet Fernandez.

After snaring the defensive rebound, Taulava pushed the ball quickly then hurled an outlet pass to Alas who then attacked the Hotshots defense, only to lose the ball on a swipe by Justin Melton.

“It was my fault. I was too excited and forgot that we were supposed to call a timeout,” said Taulava.

Alas said he’s the one to blame.

“I’m the point guard and I’m the extension of the coach on the floor. I’m the one responsible for the error,” he said.

“I’m so sorry for my teammates. We made a comeback from 19 points down only for me to bungle the team’s effort,” he added.

Alas said he decided not to call a timeout and instead push the ball hard seeing what he felt a “relaxed” Hotshots’ defense.

“I must admit I made a poor decision,” he said.

Melton split his charities with two seconds to go for the final count in the Hotshots’ fourth win in as many head-to-head matches with the Road Warriors from last year.

Last season, Star swept NLEX in three games with a whopping average margin of 18.3 points.