ALASKA is taking on all the positives in its 100-95 loss to TnT Tropang Giga in the opener of the PBA Philippine Cup.
Coach Jeff Cariaso noted missed free throws and turnovers factored in the setback the Aces suffered despite leading by as much as 17 points at one point of the match.
The good thing about it, Cariaso said, the two tangible factors could have been controlled by the team.
"Our major mistakes, turnovers and free throws, control namin," said the Alaska mentor. "To be specific, those are the things we have to clean up and be better."
The Aces were 38-of-60 from the foul line (60 percent) and committed a total of 23 turnovers, numbers which definitely could have made a big difference especially in a tightly fought ballgame.
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Cariaso said Alaska could only get better as the tournament progresses if it gets to improve in both departments.
"Control namin ang free throws namin, so we just have to step in and be more confident to make the shots," the Alaska mentor said.
He did stress how his team turned the ball over too many times, although the Tropang Giga actually had more turnovers with 26.
"We have 23 turnovers, and that's too much for a good team like TnT," added Cariaso.
The Aces next face the Meralco Bolts in a game Cariaso hopes Alaska will finally be able to make its free throws and minimize its mistakes. (RG)
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