Alex assures breakthrough

MANILA, Philippines — Five contests are left in Terrafirma’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup schedule and veteran Alex Cabagnot yesterday guaranteed the Dyip will win at least three to break out of a 23-game losing streak dating back to the previous conference.

It won’t be easy sailing for Terrafirma as the next assignment is TNT on Nov. 5 then NorthPort on Nov. 12, NLEX on Nov. 18, San Miguel Beer on Nov. 23 and Phoenix on Nov. 26. “If I was only 85 percent, we could’ve won two or three games.” he said. “I was out of basketball for six months recovering from an Achilles tendon tear then I rehabbed another three months. I rushed coming back to help coach John (Cardel) and our team. Early this conference, I had good games and bad games. I was adjusting. Because of my injury, I had overworked my other leg to compensate. But now, I’m fine.”

Import Lester Prosper said he was pissed off by his performance in Terrafirma’s 111-90 loss to Ginebra last Friday. Cardel benched him in the second half and the Dyip locals responded by outscoring Ginebra, 51-50, in the last two quarters. “My defense was lackadaisical and I’m accountable,” said Prosper. “I’ve got my mental focus back. I need to be better. We’re headed for a breakthrough. We’ll get over this funk.”

Cabagnot, who turns 40 on Dec. 8, said he never sulked after being traded from San Miguel Beer. “I told (Terrafirma governor and PBA vice chairman) Boss Bobby (Rosales) I’m excited for this next challenge in my career,” he said. “’Di ako nagmukmok. Right now, the narrative is we’re 0-7 but my narrative is we’re trying to win and that’s important. We’re not giving up, we’re not losing hope. We’re not pointing fingers. If at all, we’re pointing fingers at ourselves. We call it pagkukumbaba and pakikisama. Over the years, I got used to playing the deliberate halfcourt set but now, I’m running with young guys and it’s making me feel young again. We’re enjoying this process, we’re improving, we’re getting there.” Joshua Munzon said he’s all about winning. “When I step on the court, I’m out to give it my all,” he said. “I’ll adjust to what coach John tells me. I’ve played 3x3 before but my game is 5x5. We’re fighting until the end.”